Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 100 Part 5.djvu/1025

 PROCLAMATION 5539—OCT. 8, 1986

100 STAT. 4499

We must also become more aware that appropriate treatment can lift depression, ameliorate hallucinations and delusions, relieve panic and anxiety, and overcome dysfunctional behavior and thinking patterns. We must also realize that treatment of mental illness restores productivity to the treated, reduces their use of other health services, and increases their social independence. Research has prompted unparalleled growth in scientific knowledge about mental illness. New technologies have permitted study of the living brain and elucidated its linkages to normal and abnormal behaviors. Such research has profound implications for all of us because it offers hope for those with the most devastating and resistant disorders and because it provides clues to the bases of human behavior. In recognition of the urgent need to educate the American public about mental illnesses and their treatments, the Congress, by Public Law 99-404, has designated the week of October 5 through October 11, 1986, as "Mental Illness Awareness Week" and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this event. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week of October 5 through October 11, 1986, as Mental Illness Awareness Week. I call upon all people of the United States to observe such week with ceremonies and activities designed to exchange fear of mental illness for knowledge of its causes and treatments and to replace stigma against the mentally ill with understanding of their needs and suffering. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of October, 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. RONALD REAGAN Proclamation 5539 of October 8, 1986

National Fire Fighters Day, 1986 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our Nation's fire fighters protect our lives, our families, and the economic life of our communities from the threat of fire. Many valiant fire fighters have given their lives, and all daily risk death or injury, to preserve the lives of others and to protect our property and resources from destruction. Our more than 2 million professional and volunteer fire fighters make countless contributions and sacrifices for their fellow citizens. In 1984, these fire fighters responded to more than 2 million fires and more than 8 million non-fire emergencies. These brave Americans well deserve our gratitude and public recognition. The Congress, by Public Law 99-343, has designated October 8, 1986, as "National Fire Fighters Day" and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this occasion. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, October 8, 1986, as National Fire Fighters Day, and I urge all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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