Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 118.djvu/4177

 118 STAT. 4147 PROCLAMATION 7799—JUNE 26, 2004 During the same period, early pioneers such as Duke Ellington and Jelly Roll Morton were merging African musical roots with popular and church music to create a distinctively American sound: jazz. Songs first played in clubs in New Orleans, Memphis, and Chicago are now recognized and loved around the world. As jazz has expanded beyond its acoustic roots, African-American dreams, hopes, and joys have re- mained at the music’s core. The brilliance of new musical expressions emerged with rhythm and blues in the 1940s and rock and roll in the 1950s. Songs from great artists performing today embody the enduring appeal of this music. As black music continues to bring enjoyment to us all, the commemora- tion of this month expresses our Nation’s recognition of its influence and our pride in its legacy. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2004 as Black Music Month. I encourage all Americans to learn more about the history of black music and to enjoy the great contributions of Afri- can-American musicians. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sec- ond day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7799 of June 26, 2004 National HIV Testing Day, 2004 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every day, 8,000 lives are lost in the global AIDS pandemic. In our country, nearly 1 million people are infected with HIV, and approxi- mately 40,000 more contract it each year. National HIV Testing Day is an opportunity for Americans to increase their awareness of this ter- rible disease and to get tested for HIV/AIDS. By working together to end this pandemic, our Nation’s citizens contribute to a brighter future for themselves and for people around the world. New drugs and new treatments are bringing hope and enhancing the quality of life for those who are affected by HIV/AIDS. However, these advances can only help individuals if they know their HIV status. The National HIV Testing Day theme, ‘‘It’s better to know,’’; highlights the importance of education in helping people make healthy decisions about preventing and treating HIV/AIDS. Approximately one-quarter of people who are HIV positive do not know that they are carriers. With- out knowing their status, they cannot get the treatment they need and may unknowingly spread new infections. Today, testing is easier than ever. It is imperative that those at risk for HIV/AIDS get tested. To reach out to HIV/AIDS sufferers in need, I recently announced $20 million in immediate new funding to deliver lifesaving drugs to Ameri- VerDate 11-MAY-2000 15:04 Nov 10, 2005 Jkt 029194 PO 00000 Frm 00113 Fmt 8087 Sfmt 8087 C:\STATUTES\2004\29194PT4.004 APPS10 PsN: 29194PT4

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