Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 91.djvu/1789

 PROCLAMATION 4515—AUG. 26, 1977

91 STAT. 1755

Peace Through Law. Together they will search for ways to further universal human liberty and security. Celebrations devoted to international legal protections for human rights will be held not only in Manila, but in more than one hundred countries. Accordingly, it is fitting that the United States join in this effort to focus the world's attention on the pressing need for continued vigilance in protecting fundamental rights and freedoms for all. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIMMY CARTER, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate Sunday, August 21, 1977, as World Law Day in the United States. I call upon all public and private officials and organizations, members of the legal profession, the clergy, educators, the communications media, and all men and women of good will to join with the peoples of the world on this day in reflecting on the importance of the rule of law in achieving world peace as well as justice, freedom and dignity for all. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and second. JIMMY CARTER

Proclamation 4515

•.

August 26, 1977

Women's Equality Day, 1977

By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation August 26, 1977, is the 57th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution guaranteeing that the right of United States citizens to vote shall USC prec. title 1. not be denied or abridged by the Federal Government or any state on account of sex. This was the successful culmination of the struggle of the American Women's Suffrage movement. The right to vote, to participate in the process of framing the laws under which we all live, is fundamental. But it was only the first step in achieving full equality for women. The late Dr. Alice Paul realized this, drafted the Equal Rights Amendment in 1923 and had it introduced in Congress over a period of 49 years, until it passed on March 22, 1972. Dr. Paul and other early leaders of the movement who did not live to see their work completed were reviled and imprisoned, endured hunger strikes and force-feeding in order to further their cause. Their commitment is an inspiration to women and men today who seek to finally make their dreams a reality. Equal rights for women are an inseparable part of human rights for all. Strong action is needed to guarantee women total equality in the areas of politics and government, education, employment and related benefits, health care, housing and justice. The needs, hopes and problems of a complex society demand the talents, imagination and dedication of all its citizens without regard to sex. As women achieve equality, men, too, are liberated from ancient prejudices and relieved of arbitrary barriers to personal fulfillment.

�