Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 108 Part 6.djvu/1060

 108 STAT. 5628 PROCLAMATION 6723—SEPT. 22, 1994 To heighten awareness of that crucial goal and to recognize the critical role that historically black colleges and universities have played in the lives of African Americans throughout the land, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 21, has designated the week beginning September 18, 1994, as "National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this commemoration. NOW, THEREFORE, I. WILLIAM J. CLINTON. President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week of September 18 through September 24, 1994, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. I call upon the people of the United States, including government officials, educators, and volunteers, to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and nineteenth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Proclamation 6723 of September 22, 1994 Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month, 1994 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Between 1880 and 1914, nearly four million people left the familiar comfort and sweep of Italy to make a new life for themselves and their families in the unknown land of America. Young and old, rich and poor, Italian immigrants saw in the shores of the United States a symbol of hope and opportunity. Many came with little money and few possessions. Many carried only a love of freedom, a belief in hard work, and an abiding faith in the importance of family. Bound together by a shared heritage and by a common experience as newcomers in a new culture, the Italian-American community drew its strength from within. During work days that often began before dawn and ended well after dusk, Italian Americans relied on the knowledge and determination that continue to drive our economy today. Working side by side when times were tight, family members depended on one another to survive and, ultimately, to prosper. And their success was apparent in the bright faces of the countless sons and daughters who followed their example and went on to raise families of their ov^m. Today, third and fourth generations of Italian Americans maintain that tradition of community, looking back on the courage of their ancestors with heartfelt gratitude and unparalleled pride. Italian Americans have indeed worked hard to build upon their rich heritage over the last century, and the fruits of their labors are evident in every aspect of our national life. From politics to business to academia, their diverse talents and skills have sustained our society and enriched our daily lives. This month, we pause to recognize their many extraordinary accomplishments. More than that, we reflect on the

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