PROCLAMATION 4927—APR. 12, 1982
96 STAT, 2725
were held captive. The American men, women and children who were incarcerated at Cabanatuan prisoner of war camp in the Philippine Islands during World War II suffered cruel and inhumane treatment, resulting in over three thousand deaths between May 1942 and February 1945. The Congress has, by House Joint Resolution 435, requested me to desig- Ante, p. 61. nate April 12, 1982, as "American Salute to Cabanatuan Prisoner of War Memorial Day." We all should recognize the special debt owed to our fellow citizens who, while defending the ideals for which this great Nation stands, endured treatment which exhibited complete disregard for the most basic sense of compassion, moral standards and international obligations. Theirs was a lonely and painful experience with which few can associate. We should also remember the families of those prisoners who died at Cabanatuan, for the sorrow of their loss is a daily burden. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate April 12, 1982, the fortieth anniversary of the fall of Bataan and Corregidor, as "American Salute to Cabanatuan Prisoner of War Memorial Day," a day dedicated to those former captives held at Cabanatuan, to those who died there and to their families. I call on all Americans to join in honoring those who made the painful sacrifice of being held captive in war and their loved ones. And I call on State and local officials and private organizations to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixth. RONALD REAGAN
Proclamation 4927 of April 12, 1982
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week, 1982 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation
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The spirit of America lies in the richness of our diverse cultural heritage, with ties forged through the struggle of all of our people in the quest for freedom and opportunity. Asian and Pacific Americans have long shared the dreams common to all Americans and borne the heartaches and triumphs of the American experience. In spite of years of struggle and toil, in spite of exclusion and incarceration and discrimination, peoples whose roots lie in Asia and the Pacific Islands have brought forth myriad contributions to this country—in the arts and Uterature, science, industry, commerce, government, and agriculture. America came to America public in
owes a profound debt to its Asian and Pacific immigrants, who these shores to escape poverty and oppression. They brought to a spirit which renews the hopes and ideals of the American Reforming a more perfect Union.
As we celebrate the accomplishments of Asian and Pacific Americans, we dedicate ourselves to overcoming the legacy of the past, knowing that the tasks in the struggle for full participation and equal opportunity remain incomplete. We are grateful to Asian and Pacific Americans for their pres-
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