Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 103 Part 3.djvu/1090

 103 STAT. 3158 PROCLAMATION 6067—NOV. 14, 1989 our Nation's history and preparing them to exercise their rights and re- sponsibilities as citizens, America's schools help strengthen our system of self-government. Our Nation's Founding Fathers clearly understood the vital connection between liberty and learning. They knew that only an educated and in- formed public can keep a free and democratic government. Like Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, our fourth President, was a strong advocate of public education. "Knowledge will forever govern igno- rance," he once wrote, "and a people who mean to be their own Gover- nors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives." Two hundred years after our Nation's founding, we can be grateful for tilie dedication to learning that is so deeply ingrained in American tra- dition. However, standing on the threshold of the 21st century also compels us to examine the state of American education and consider what it holds for our futiu'e. A good education is a lasting treasiu-e in its own right, but is also essential to keeping the United States strong and prosperous in an increasingly competitive world. In September, I met with the Nation's Governors in an historic Simmiit to discuss the challenges facing us in working toward excellence in education. The President's Education Suimmit with the Governors brought forth unanimous agreement on the significance of this issue to the future of the Nation and to the quality of life for every American. We will build upon the vision of our Foiuiding Fathers in establishing national education goals and in mobilizing a state-by-state effort to re- structure our educational system. Improving our Nation's education system is not a job for its chief ex- ecutives alone, however. The challenge and responsibility for the Na- tion's future must be met by each citizen in every walk of life. It will require the sustained involvement of parents, teachers, local school ad- ministrators, business leaders, elected officials, and the public at large. It will require recognizing the value of lifelong learning, raising our ex- pectations, holding ourselves accountable for resiilts, and never settling for the minimum. Every American can help ensure that yovuig people receive the quality education they need and deserve. We can do so by participating in parent-teacher organizations; by serving on our local J school boards; and by supporting private institutions, adult education, and literacy programs. We can also lend our support to our local librar- ies and museiuns, and encoiu'age our children to take advantage of these valuable educational resources. This year, as we observe American Education Week and reflect upon its theme, "Learning and Liberty: 0\a Roots, Om- Future," let us renew our determination to improve America's educational system. Strength- ening our schools is one of the greatest investments we can make in our Nation's fut\u*e. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE 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 the week beginning November 12, 1989, as American Education Week. I lu^e all Americans to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and ac- tivities.

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