Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 90 Part 2.djvu/1648

 90 STAT. 3116

PROCLAMATION 4453—SEPT. 3, 1976 To its user, the white cane provides the confidence to venture forth, to experience the world, and to participate fully in life. The white cane also serves to alert others. It reminds those of us who can see to exercise simple courtesy and common sense in approaching a blind person. By providing assistance when it is desired, or often just by yielding the right of way, we can help assure safe passage and safeguard the right of visually handicapped persons to enjoy unhindered mobility. To make all Americans more fully aware of the significance and importance of the white cane and the need for extra alertness and consideration when approaching its user, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved October 6, 1964 (78 Stat. 1003; 36 U.S.C 169d), has authorized the President to proclaim October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 15, 1976, as White Cane Safety Day. On this occasion, I urge all sighted Americans to increase their knowledge and understanding of the needs and rights of visually handicapped Americans. In particular, each of us should be prepared to heed the message of the white cane and grant its users the extra measure of care necessary to their physical safety, self-confidence, and peace of mind. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of September in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and first. GERALD R. FORD

Proclamation 4453

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September 3, 1976

Fire Prevention Week, 1976 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Two hundred years ago the United States of America declared its independence. More than a century before that the need for organized fire protection was recognized in the colonies with the establishment of the first fire departments. The same appreciation of the need for community protection is still needed today in order to avoid the destructive effect of uncontrolled fire. Each year in the United States alone, more than three million fires and explosions kill 12,000 persons; seriously burn another 300,000; and destroy more than $4 billion in property. Another $7 billion is spent for fire departments, fire insurance, and related costs. The richest and most technologically advanced nation in the world, we nevertheless lead all the major industrialized countries in per capita deaths and property loss from fire.

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