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PROCLAMATION 3692-DEC. 8, 1965

[80 STAT.

D O N E at the City of Washington this second day of December in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and sixty-five, [SEAL] and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and ninetieth. LYNDON B. JOHNSON

By the President: DEAN RTJSK,

Secretary

of State.

Proclamation 3692 LAW DAY, U.S.A., 1966 December 8, 1965

By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation

75 Stat. 43. 36 USC 164.

"Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it; no constitution, no law, no court can even do much to help it. * * * the spirit of liberty is the spirit of Him who, near two thousand years ago, taught mankind that lesson it has never learned, but has never quite forgotten; that there may be a kingdom where the least shall be heard and considered side by side with the greatest." These words of a great American jurist, the late Judge Learned Hand, are especially appropriate this year as the United States of America celebrates the one hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary of the Bill of Eights, and the one hundred and ninetieth anniversary of the independence of our Nation. Both occasions are notable milestones in the life of our republic and in man's quest for freedom and justice under law. These two significant events in American history serve to remind us that the great individual rights we value so highly carry with them corresponding obligations of citizenship: to obey the law—recognize the rights of others—resolve grievances by lawful means—support law enforcement agencies—encourage law obedience by others—practice and teach patriotism—and defend our country. The fostering of greater respect for the rule of law, and of deeper understanding of our great heritage of individual liberty, will immeasurably aid the United States in its war on crime and juvenile delinquency. The Congress by joint resolution has wisely designated the first day of May of each year as Law Day, U.S.A., to remind us of the fundamental truth that our liberty, our rights to pursue our individual destinies, and our very lives are dependent upon our system of law and independent courts. Only under the rule of law, and obedience thereto, can we rightfully claim our heritage of individual freedom. The observance of Law Day, U.S.A., on May 1, 1966, with the theme, "Respect the Law—It Respects You," will serve to focus attention on the need for every individual to do his part to help strengthen our national commitment to the rule of law.

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