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 Proclamations Proc. 8104 history. Educators Booker T. Washington and Carter G. Woodson helped break down racial barriers in education to provide opportunity for all peo- ple. Americans have benefited from the achievements of scientists like George Washington Carver. Artists such as Pearl Bailey, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong inspired Americans and created some of the most cele- brated music this Nation has ever produced. The theme of this year's National African American History Month, "From Slavery to Freedom: Africans in the Americas," recalls African Americans' long journey to justice and commemorates the courage and persistence of the heroes who called on our Nation to live up to its founding promise. A century after African-American soldiers fought for their freedom on the battlefields of the Civil War, African Americans struggled peacefully for their rights in the streets of Birmingham, Alabama, and on the Mall in Washington, D.C. Courageous civil rights leaders answered hate and dis- crimination with love and dignity, toppled segregation laws, and worked to make America a more just and hopeful Nation. All Americans can be proud of the progress we have made, yet the work for a more perfect union is not done. As we celebrate National African American History Month, we reaffirm our commitment to build a society where every individual has the opportunity to achieve the promise of this great land. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 2007 as National African American History Month. I call upon public officials, educators, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appro- priate programs and activities that honor the significant contributions Afri- can Americans have made to our Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- first. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 8104 of February 1, 2007 American Heart Month, 2007 By the President of the United States of Arnerica A Proclamation Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives each year. During American Heart Month, we renew our commitment to fighting cardiovascular disease by increasing public awareness of this deadly disease and understanding of how it can be prevented. Today, millions of Americans live with some form of cardiovascular dis- ease, including congenital heart disease, coronary heart disease, and high blood pressure. Individuals can reduce their chance of developing these 5

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