Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 97.djvu/1573

 PROCLAMATION 5014—JAN. 20, 1983 97 STAT. 1541 enact a patent statute as expressly authorized by the U.S. Constitution and wisely advised that "there is nothing which can better deserve your patron- age than the promotion of science..." In 1790, the first patent statute initi- ated the transformation of the United States from an importer of technology to a world leader in technological innovation. Today, just as in George Washington's day, inventors are the keystone of the technological progress that is so vital to the economic, environmental, and social well-being of this country. Individual ingenuity and persever- ance, spurred by the incentives of the patent system, begin the process that results in improved standards of living, increased public and private pro- ductivity, creation of new industries, improved public services, and en- hanced competitiveness of American products in world markets. In recognition of the enormous contribution inventors make to the nation and the world, the Congress, pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 140 (Public Law 97-198), has designated February 11, 1983, the anniversary of the birth 96 Stat. 120. of Thomas Alva Edison, one of America's most famous and prolific inven- tors, as National Inventors' Day. Such recognition is especially appropriate at a time when our country is striving to maintain its global position as a leader in innovation and technology. Key to our future success will be the dedication and creativity of inventors. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim February 11, 1983, as National Inventors' Day and call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 12th day of Jan., in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sev- enth. RONALD REAGAN Proclamation 5014 of January 20, 1983 Tricentennial Anniversary Year of German Settlement in Am- erica By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On October 6, 1683, a group of thirteen Mennonite families, coming from the city of Krefeld, now in the Federal Republic of Germany, founded German- town, Pennsylvania, today a suburb of Philadelphia. Since then, more than seven million German immigrants have entered the United States and made extraordinary human, economic, political, social, and cultural contributions to the growth and success of our great country. Today there are more than sixty million Americans of German descent, a number about equal to the total population of the Federal Republic of Ger- many. More Americans claim German ancestry than any other nationality. During my address to the Bundestag in Bonn in June of last year, I spoke of the importance which the United States attaches to the Tricentennial year of 1983 commemorating German settlement in America. Despite the legacy of two world wars which found us on opposing sides, West Germany and

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