Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 100 Part 5.djvu/1011

 PROCLAMATION 5523—SEPT. 10, 1986

100 STAT. 4485

Throughout our history, we have been fortunate in attracting to our shores immigrants from every part of the world. Their values, energies, and spirit have enriched America's culture and added to her dynamism and prosperity. No part of our national mosaic better exemplifies this tradition than America's numerous citizens of Hispanic heritage. Their love of freedom is reflected daily in their abundant economic, cultural, and political vitality. Their profound religious faith nourishes the spirit of a Nation whose first principle is the God-given dignity of the human person. Through hard work Hispanics have done much to contribute to the betterment of their families and their communities. Many have played important roles as leaders in American society. Their ties to the nations of Latin America form an important part of the bond between America and its neighbors to the South, many of whom are enjoying a renaissance of freedom and democratic government. The roots of their culture bind us also to democratic Spain and its great cultural legacy. For all these reasons, we rejoice in the strength and inspiration America derives from its citizens of Hispanic heritage. In recognition of the many achievements of the Hispanic American Community, the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved September 17, 1968 (Public Law 90-498], authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the week that includes September 15 and 16 as National Hispanic Heritage Week. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning September 14, 1986, as National Hispanic Heritage Week, in recognition of the Hispanic individuals, families, and communities that enrich our national life. I call upon the people of the United States, especially the educational community, to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eleventh. '

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• RONALD REAGAN

Proclamation 5523 of September 10, 1986

Lupus Awareness Month, 1986 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation

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Systemic lupus erythematosus (also known as lupus or SLE] is an inflammatory disease of connective tissue, which can produce changes in the structure and function of the skin, joints, and internal organs. The exact cause of lupus is unknown, but evidence suggests that the disease may result from a disorder in the body's production of antibodies (proteins that fight invading organisms). In lupus, abnormal antibodies are produced that react against the patient's own tissue. More than 500,000 Americans have the disease. Ninety percent of these victims are women in their child-bearing years. Although research has yet to find a cure for lupus, the outlook has vastly improved. Patients are living longer, more normal lives as a result of in-

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