Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 103 Part 3.djvu/601

 PROCLAMATION 5920—DEC. 5, 1988 103 STAT. 2669 recall the achievements of the Wright Brothers and to stimulate avia- tion in this country and throughout the world. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of December, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two him- dred and thirteenth. RONALD REAGAN Proclamation 5920 of December 5, 1988 Year of the Young Reader, 1989 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Reading is one of the most important activities any child can engage in, and potentially one of the most enjoyable too. For all of us, and espe- cially for youngsters, reading is a key to past, present, and future—a path into virtually limitless treasures of knowledge and inspiration. Reading encourages wonder about the world, broadens awareness of others, and offers clues about the meaning of life. It helps transmit om* cultural legacy and fosters inner resources of spirit, intellect, and imagination. Children and yoimg adults need and deserve the gift, joy, and promise of reading, and a year of special national observance in recognition of this truth is most appropriate. Nurtiuing a love of reading in children is crucial for their personal growth and well-being and for the continued health and vigor of our communities and country. Now as always, America needs a literate and knowledgeable citizenry fully conversant with and determined to defend om- heritage of liberty and learning. We can all help yoimg readers discover the blessings and the enjoy- ment that reading offers. Parents can read aloud to their children. Fam- ilies and schools can make reading materials a familiar part of yoimg- sters' surroundings and can suggest regular visits to libraries. Educators and concerned citizens can redouble their efforts to ensure that stu- dents remain in school and that literacy programs for people of all ages are available in their areas. Each of us can give yoimg people the good example of reading ourselves. We can explain the freedom we Ameri- cans enjoy to read and write and study as we like. If we do all of these things, we will go a long way toward awakening among every young reader the understanding that reading is a thrilling, lifetime journey into new worlds of adventure, history, heritage, and far frontiers. That will be an inestimable service to our Nation. The Congress, by Public Law 100-662, has designated 1989 as "Year of the Young Reader" and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this year. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim 1989 as Year of the Young Reader. I call upon parents and educators, librarians and publishers, interested private organizations and businesses, government officials,

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