Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 103 Part 3.djvu/989

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PRCXJLAMATION 5995—JUNE 30, 1989 103 STAT. 3057 challenged boaters. The Auxiliary also perfonns courtesy marine ex- aminations of safety equipment on recreational boats. Through its support of the Cooperative Charting Program conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Ocean Survey, the Coast Guard Auxiliary assists in the updating of nautical charts. Atixiliary members also assist in search and rescue op- erations on the high seas or other navigable waters, even at the risk of their own safety. As the popularity of recreational boating and other water-related activ- ity increases, the voluntary efforts of the more than 35,000 members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary will become even more important. In recog- nition of the generosity, concern, and personal sacrifices of the mem- bers of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Congress, by House Joint Resolution 111, has designated June 23, 1989, as "United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim June 23, 1989, as United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty- third day of June, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty- nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirteenth. GEORGE BUSH Proclamation 5995 of June 30, 1989 National Literacy Day, 1989 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Henry Peter Brougham once observed, "Education makes people easy to lead, but difficult to drive; easy to govern, but impossible to en- slave." Literacy, as the foundation of education, is essential to a truly free people. The ability to read and comprehend the written word and to express our own ideas effectively is vital to understanding and participating in democratic government. Every American should be able to read the Constitution and other great works that have shaped our life as a Nation; each of us should also be able to convey informed opinions about issues and events that affect our families and communities. Literacy means more than the ability to read and write, however; it is the tool that enables us to learn from the past and prepare for the future; it is the vital characteristic of a work force that has the skills our jobs require and the ability to compete in a rapidly advancing global economy; it is also the rich legacy of families that pass on the love of learning from generation to generation. Literacy is not simply a basic skill, but a key that opens the door to the realm of ideas and en- ables one to participate more fully in the world around us.