Proclamation 6545 of April 14, 1993 Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 1993 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Five hundred years after the first Europeans began exploring the Americas, it is appropriate to reflect on our hemisphere's unique role in this rapidly changing world and to rediscover the peoples of the Americas. On Pan American Day, the people of the Americas pledge to renew the ties that make our relationship unique. We cherish our hemisphere's proud history as we look forward to a new era of cooperation between our countries and cultures. We have seen remarkable changes around the globe. The defeat of totalitarianism and the sweep of democratic and free market reforms have brought new opportunities and new challenges to the world. Progress toward political, economic, and social change has been dramatic in our own hemisphere. From North to South, more and more citizens of the Americas are enjoying the benefits of liberty. Fundamental principles of democracy, including respect for human rights, continue to be embraced. It is our hope that all nations of the Americas will join in this democratic revolution and at last realize the dream of a hemisphere of democratic nations. The need for international cooperation is greater than ever, because we face many difficult issues in this era: drug trafficking, weapons proliferation, and environmental degradation. Through a renewed partnership between nations of this hemisphere, we can develop innovative means to combat such problems, thus ensuring lasting security for future generations. A century ago, representatives of the nations of this hemisphere met in Washington to establish the International Union of the American Republics. Accepting the principles of democracy, peace, security, and prosperity, these member nations made a firm commitment to mutual cooperation throughout the hemisphere. Its successor, the Organization of American States, has furthered this commitment. In the words of the Charter of the Organization of American States, "[the] historic mission of America is to offer to man a land of liberty." I applaud and encourage the activity of the Organization of American States in this pursuit to ensure that worldwide changes create a hemisphere of peace and prosperity. We can take great pride in what the Americas have already achieved. But there is much work to be done. All Americans from North to South should renew their commitment to fulfilling our forefathers' vision of an interAmerica system. The hemisphere of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, of Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín, establishes an example of freedom for the rest of the world. With democracy as the cornerstone of a new working partnership, we can achieve a revolutionary level of cooperation among the countries of America. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, April 14, 1993, as "Pan American Day" and the week of April 11 through April 17, 1993, as "Pan American Week." I urge the Governors of the 50 States, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and officials of other areas under the flag of the United States of America to honor these observances with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventeenth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Proclamation 6546 of April 17, 1993 National Volunteer Week, 1993 By the President of the United States of America The spirit of service is embodied in the people of America. With the knowledge that each of us benefits when we all work together, and with the willingness to act on that knowledge, we have always strived to bring out the best in ourselves and in our country. This tradition of service sustains and defines our citizenship and our democracy. Our shared institutions and values unite this country and make it great. None of these runs deeper than the spirit of service. As they have throughout history, volunteers today are lifting up America. Millions of citizens are giving of themselves to help provide a better future for all Americans. The many forms of service are as diverse as the American people: a homemaker organizing a neighborhood patrol, a retired firefighter becoming a foster grandparent, a teenager volunteering in a health clinic, or a small child designing a recycling program. A uniquely American spirit unites all of these efforts. In our smallest counties and in our largest cities-in every community across the land-citizens are renewing America through service. Alone, any one effort can make a significant impact. Together, they can change our country forever-not only through the material improvements they create but also through the spiritual transformation they foster. This week, then, it is fitting that we honor the millions of people who devote themselves to helping others. But this year, let us do more than recognize their efforts. Let us renew our spirit of volunteerism and rededicate ourselves to serving our fellow Americans. This is a time to rekindle the spirit of service. Old and young, rich and poor, all of us have roles to play in making our Nation stronger. We must serve in order to allow our children—and future generations to live up to their full potential. Just as important, we must serve in order to be our best as Americans and as human beings. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby designate the week beginning April 18, 1993, as National Volunteer Week. I ask all Americans to join in commending the contributions volunteers make to our Nation. I urge every citizen to consider how, in our own ways, we can renew our Nation's hope, revitalize our people's spirit, and reclaim our country's promise. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventeenth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Editorial note: For the President's remarks at a celebration tribute to the Points of Light program, see the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents (vol. 29, p. 42). For his remarks at the National Volunteer Action award ceremony, see p. 647. Proclamation 6547 of April 22, 1993 National Credit Education Week, 1993 By the President of the United States of America Consumer credit is an integral part of the free enterprise economy of the United States. The vast array of credit products has expanded opportunities for consumers. At the same time, this trend has increased consumers' need for simple, understandable information about their options. Informed consumers who know their choices, rights, and responsibilities are better able to choose and use credit wisely. The prudent use of credit increases economic stability and enhances market competition. The theme of this year's observance, "Good Credit-Unlimited Opportunities," recognizes that consumers, with careful budgeting and planning, can benefit from increased choices and opportunities in today's marketplace. Credit education is crucial to helping the public use credit wisely and responsibly. A good credit record can help a consumer obtain a job, finance a child's education, and obtain a mortgage to buy a home. Tests of adults and high school students across the Nation show that consumers in the United States are not prepared adequately to deal with complex consumer credit choices. Even though the rights of consumers in credit transactions are guaranteed in Federal and State laws, most consumers have little understanding of their rights or of the agencies responsible for protecting these rights. Consumers clearly can benefit a great deal from expanded consumer credit education efforts. In recognition of the importance of the prudent use of credit, the Congress, by Public Law 102-483, has designated the week beginning April 18, 1993, as "National Credit Education Week" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning April 18, 1993, as National Credit Education Week. I encourage all Americans—particularly business people, educators, public officials, consumer advocates, com munity organizations, and members of the media-to observe this week with appropriate programs and activities to educate and inform consumers about their credit rights and responsibilities and about the benefits of the wise use of credit. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventeenth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Proclamation 6548 of April 23, 1993 Nancy Moore Thurmond National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week, 1993 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On April 14, 1993, the promising life of Nancy Moore Thurmond was taken in an auto accident. In the heartbreaking moments after her death, Nancy's parents, Senator Strom Thurmond and his wife Nancy, made the decision that their daughter's organs should be donated to others. Through this selfless act, the Thurmonds redeemed the promise of Nancy Moore Thurmond's youth and helped to sustain the lives of other human beings. In memory of Nancy, we commit ourselves this week to understanding what the donation of organs can mean. In the history of medicine, few advances have been more awe-inspiring than successful organ and tissue transplants. In recent years we have seen the miracle of terminally ill patients receiving a second chance at life with a new heart, liver, lung, or kidney. We have seen children with leukemia regain their health through bone marrow transplants; we have witnessed the restoration of sight to the blind through new corneas; and we have seen thousands of Americans resuming normal lives after receiving a transplanted organ or tissue. But many others still wait, and many die waiting for a suitable organ to become available. Today there are more than 30,000 patients on the national transplant waiting list, and a new patient is added to the list every 20 minutes. The need for organs far surpasses the number donated each year. We must increase public awareness of the successes of transplantation and the urgent need for increased donation. The American public needs to know that by completing an organ donor card and carrying it, and by making their families aware of their wishes to donate, they may give the gift of life to others. Americans are a caring and giving people. Many Americans who have lost their loved ones in tragic accidents have found some measure of comfort in knowing that despite their loss, others may live. The Thurmond family can take solace in the knowledge that their beautiful daughter, Nancy Moore Thurmond, gave life to others. To honor Nancy Moore Thurmond, and to focus public attention on the desperate need for organ donors, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 66, has designated the week beginning April 18, 1993, as "Nancy Moore Thurmond National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week of April 18 through April 24, 1993, as Nancy Moore Thurmond National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week. I urge all health care professionals, educators, the media, public and private organizations concerned with organ donation and transplantation, and all Americans to join me in supporting this humanitarian action. In the memory of their loved ones, and in the life they have shared with others, Nancy Thurmond and all other organ donors will live on. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventeenth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Proclamation 6549 of April 23, 1993 Cancer Control Month, 1993 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Last year, more than 1.1 million Americans were likely to develop cancer. Another 520,000 were likely to die from the disease. Cancer remains the second leading cause of death among women in the United States, accounting for approximately 245,000 deaths in 1992. Breast cancer is now the leading cause of death in women ages 40 to 44. Prostate cancer accounted for approximately 132,000 new cases of cancer in men in 1992 and is second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of death for men. No one of any race, age, gender, or socioeconomic status is immune to the many forms of this deadly disease. The National Cancer Institute, through its nationwide Cancer Information Service, and the American Cancer Society, through its national programs and many local offices, reach millions of people with information about disease prevention. Community service and outreach efforts promote early detection of breast and cervical cancer and increase awareness of the risks of skin cancer. Every American should understand that the ability to destroy cancer relies on detection in its early stages. Outreach efforts are also vital in informing our citizens of the dangers of tobacco use, of the importance of a healthy diet, and of the need to maintain a desirable weight. Fewer Americans smoke now than in 1965, and between 1964 and 1987, three-quarters of a million smoking-related deaths were avoided. The general population has become increasingly aware of the dangers of environmental exposure, poor dietary habits, and not seeking periodic examinations for early detection and treatment. |