Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 98 Part 3.djvu/1237

 PROCLAMATION 5208—JUNE 14, 1984

98 STAT. 3609

[d) "Statute which imposes a requirement of United States citizenship or nationaUty" includes any statute which denies a benefit or imposes a burden or a disability on an ahen, his dependents, or his survivors. 8. Upon the estabhshment of the Commonweahh of the Northern Mariana Islands pursuant to section 1002 of the Covenant, the benefits acquired under this Proclamation shall merge without interruption into those to which the recipient is entitled by virtue of his acquisition of United States citizenship, unless the recipient exercises his privilege under section 302 of the Covenant to become a national but not a citizen of the United States. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of June, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighth. RONALD REAGAN

Proclamation 5208 of June 14, 1984

Family Reunion Month, 1984 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The family is the cornerstone of American society. As individuals and as a people, we are nurtured by our families from birth until the ends of our lives. Families link past, present, and future generations. Family members share our joys, comfort us, and help us celebrate life's milestones. In our mobile society, great distances often separate people from their loved ones, making frequent visits difficult or impossible. Consequently, many families hold periodic reunions. At these special times, they come together to renew and refresh their relationships. They share the accomplishments and changes in their lives. They honor those who have passed on, and they celebrate their continuing renewal through new marriages and the birth of new babies. Unfortunately, thousands of American families experience sorrow each year because of runaway, missing or estranged members. An estimated 700,000 children between the ages of 11 and 18 are runaway or homeless youth. Many organizations have been formed in recent years to help families and missing family members establish contact with each other while respecting the right of individuals to privacy. Nonetheless, this problem is a very serious and heartbreaking one. This Nation treasures its families and family life. All Americans should encourage families and missing family members to get in touch with each other and, if possible, to solve the problems which brought about their separation. We should encourage missing family members to make direct contact with their families or to use the organizations which offer their support and assistance. We also should encourage families whose ties are weak to seek out the programs which offer counseling and support to keep families together. The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 94, has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the period between Mother's Day, May 13, 1984, and Father's Day, June 17, 1984, as "Family Reunion Month."

Ante, p. 228.

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