Page:Title 3 CFR 1983 Compilation.djvu/20

Proc. 5012 The American civil service system succeeds because of several factors. It is built upon the concept that selection of career government employees must be based upon merit principles, the goal being to hire the most capable and qualified people to do the public's work. It also provides for a vital partnership between political leaders, who bring with them policies and programs endorsed by the electorate, and career civil servants, who provide the expertise and continuity which are essential to the effective operation of a government as large and varied as ours.

To commemorate the Centennial and to show our appreciation to Federal employees past and present, public agencies and private groups throughout America will sponsor events highlighting the history and accomplishments of the civil service system during January 1983 and in succeeding months.

In recognition of the tremendous contributions of public employees to our Nation's government, the Congress, by House Joint Resolution 619, has designated January 17, 1983, as "Public Employees' Appreciation Day" and has requested the President to issue a Proclamation in observance of that day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, in recognition of the Centennial of the Federal civil service system, do hereby proclaim January 17, 1983, as Public Employees' Appreciation Day.

I urge all Americans to join with members of the Federal civil service system, and the many professional associations and employee unions which represent them, in commemorating the centennial anniversary of the institution to which they belong and in appreciation of the countless contributions they have made on behalf of all Americans over the past one hundred years.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 10th day of January, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventh.

RONALD REAGAN

Editorial Note: The President's memorandum for heads of executive departments and agencies, dated Jan. 10, 1983, on the centennial of the Federal civil service is printed in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents (vol. 19, p. 28).

Proclamation 5013 of January 12, 1983

National Inventors' Day, 1983

''By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation ''

Almost two hundred years ago, President George Washington recognized that invention and innovation were fundamental to the welfare and strength of the United States. He successfully urged the First Congress to enact a patent statute as expressly authorized by the U.S. Constitution and