Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 90 Part 2.djvu/1611

 PROCLAMATION 4418—FEB. 25, 1976

90 STAT. 3079

The tremendous effort by the War Relocation Authority and concerned Americans for the welfare of these Japanese-Americans may add perspective to that story, but it does not erase the setback to fundamental American principles. Fortunately, the Japanese-American community in Hawaii was spared the indignities suffered by those on our mainland. We now know what we should have known then—not only was that evacuation wrong, but Japanese-Americans were and are loyal Americans. On the battlefield and at home, Japanese-Americans—names like Hamada, Mitsumori, Marimoto, Noguchi, Yamasaki, Kido, Munemori and Miyamura—have been and continue to be written in our history for the sacrifices and the contributions they have made to the well-being and security of this, our common Nation. The Executive order that was issued on February 19, 1942, was for the sole purpose of prosecuting the war with the Axis Powers, and ceased to be effective with the end of those hostilities. Because there was no formal statement of its termination, however, there is concern among many Japanese-Americans that there may yet be some life in that obsolete document. I think it appropriate, in this our Bicentennial Year, to remove all doubt on that matter, and to make clear our commitment in the future. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim that all the authority conferred by Executive Order No. 9066 terminated upon the issuance of Proclamation No. 2714, which formally 50 USC app. note proclaimed the cessation of the hostilities of World War II on December 31, 1946. P"*^' I call upon the American people to affirm with me this American Promise—that we have learned from the tragedy of that long-ago experience forever to treasure liberty and justice for each individual American, and resolve that this kind of action shall never again be repeated. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of February in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundredth. GERALD R. FORD

Proclamation 4418

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February 25, 1976

Red Cross Month, 1976 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For nearly half of our Nation's two hundred years, the American Red Cross has reflected the concerns of the American people by dedicating itself to the ease and prevention of human suffering. In war and in peace, this Good Neighbor has ministered to the anguish of those who are tragically affected by circumstances beyond their control. It has undertaken to prevent distress and has striven to preserve health and safety.

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