Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 110 Part 6.djvu/693

 PROCLAMATION 6877—APR. 2, 1996 110 STAT. 4515 Proclamation 6876 of March 29, 1996 Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 1996 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In looking forward to the 21st century, we recognize that excellence in education is the key to our Nation's future. At a time when we face difficult choices about how best to strengthen that future, our commitment to meaningful education for our youth must remain absolutely firm—we have a profound obligation to put children's needs first and to make the essential investments that will help them succeed. Throughout his distinguished life. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson was an advocate for the high-quality education and strong values young people need to become productive and caring citizens. Drawing on a deep tradition of faith and a dedication to strengthening family and community ties, the Lubavitcher Rebbe sought to help our youth become responsible leaders and moral thinkers. On this day and throughout the year, let us join parents, teachers, and concerned people everywhere who are following Rabbi Schneerson's example by empowering young people with essential skills and knowledge. By nurturing their minds and spirits together, we can help our children to embrace all of the exciting challenges ahead. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, 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 March 31, 1996, as Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A. I call upon educators, volunteers, and all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty- ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentieth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Proclamation 6877 of April 2, 1996 National Day of Prayer, 1996 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation America's heritage is rich with expressions of faith in God. Indeed, the desire for religious freedom was one of the chief reasons that early settlers risked their lives to come to this land. Many of those who braved the long ocean journey were men and women of devout religious beliefs who sought a new home where they might worship without persecution. The authors of our Constitution recognized this history in the language of the first amendment, and through times of uncertainty, sorrow, and pain, the citizens of the United States have called upon the wisdom and mercy of the Almighty for guidance and strength.

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