Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 91.djvu/1808

 91 STAT. 1774

PROCLAMATION 4537—NOV. 11, 1977

In honoring the family it is especially appropriate to acknowledge those Americans who, through adoption, open their homes and hearts to wanted children. They bring a sfjecial commitment to the family and share a special reward in nurturing their children and seeing them grow in love. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIMMY CARTER, President of the United States of America, in accordance with a joint resolution of the Congress, approved August 15, 1977 (91 Stat. 836) do hereby proclaim the week of November 20, 1977, as National Family Week and call uf)on the American people to observe that week with appropriate ceremonies, programs and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of November 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 4537

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November 11, 1977

Thanksgiving Day, 1977

By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Although the first years of America's struggle for independence were often disheartening, our forebears never lost faith in the Creator, in their cause, or in themselves. Upon learning of the American victory at Saratoga in 1777, Samuel Adams composed the first National Thanksgiving proclamation, and the Continental Congress called upon the governors of every state to designate a day when all Americans could join together and express their gratitude for God's providence "with united hearts," By their actions they extended a revered regional custom into a national tradition. Precisely two centuries have now passed since that time. We have tamed a continent, established institutions dedicated to protecting our liberties, and secured a place of leadership among nations. But we have never lost sight of the principles upon which our Nation was founded. For that reason we can look to the future with hope and confidence. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIMMY CARTER, President of the United States of America, in accord with Section 6103 of Title 5 of the United States Code, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 24, 1977, as Thanksgiving Day. I ask all Americans to gather on that day with their families and neighbors in their homes and in their houses of worship to give thanks for the blessings Almighty God has bestowed upon us. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of November, 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

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