and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighteenth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Proclamation 6592 of September 15, 1993 National Hispanic Heritage Month, 1993 By the President of the United States of America One of our Nation's greatest strengths is its vast diversity. The mosaic of races, ethnicities, and religious groups that comprise America provides us with a powerful energy and an ability to see the world from many viewpoints. Since our country's inception, Hispanic Americans have always been an integral part of this great mosaic. Indeed the history, culture, and traditions of America are greatly influenced by the contributions of those individuals who have their origins in Spain and Latin America. While the impact of the Hispanic culture is manifest in our Nation's customs and traditions, this legacy continues on beyond the pages of history. Today, Hispanic Americans continue to make important contributions to our society. It would be impossible to think of American Government, business, industry, Armed Forces, agriculture, science, sports, and the arts without noting the presence and full participation of Hispanic Americans. Ellen Ochoa, who has served America proudly as our first Hispanic woman astronaut; Cesar Chavez, whose lifelong passion and commitment uplifted the lives of millions of agricultural workers; Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Henry Cisneros and Secretary of Transportation Federico Peña; Master Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez, who won the Medal of Honor for his service in Vietnam; and millions of other Hispanic Americans whose hard work keeps our Nation moving all of these patriotic Americans draw their heritage from the rich Hispanic culture. Many of the traditions that Americans hold so dear are deeply rooted in the Hispanic American values of a strong sense of family, devotion to religious beliefs, and dedication to liberty and democracy. Committed dearly to these precious ideals, Hispanic Americans are helping all of us to uphold the legacy of our democratic society. America is an ongoing experiment-an unfinished work. There is much for all of us still to accomplish in order to ensure a brighter and more peaceful world for our children. I know that Hispanic Americans, always conscious of the traditions of their forebears, will continue to work with Americans of every racial, religious, and ethnic background to confront our Nation's health, housing, educational, and human rights concerns. The principles that are such a part of the Hispanic American tradition will serve all of our people well as we strive to address the challenges that the future holds for us. To commemorate the Hispanic American contributions to our Nation, the Congress, by Public Law 90-498 of September 17, 1968, as amended, has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the month beginning September 15 and ending October 15 as "National Hispanic Heritage Month." NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month beginning September 15, 1993, and ending October 15, 1993, as National Hispanic Heritage Month. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighteenth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Editorial note: For the President's remarks to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, see the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents (vol. 29, p. 1790). Proclamation 6593 of September 17, 1993 Citizenship Day and Constitution Week, 1993 By the President of the United States of America September 17, 1787, is one of the most important, yet ironically one of the least known, dates in American history. On that day the delegates to the Philadelphia Convention completed their work by signing and reporting to the Continental Congress their proposed Constitution of the United States. Despite the enormous growth of our Nation in terms of population, industry, culture, and technology since 1787, the document drafted by 55 patriots during that summer in Philadelphia remains the fundamental law of our land. Chief Justice Marshall wrote that the Constitution was "designed to approach immortality as nearly as human institutions can approach it." Our Constitution is by far the oldest written framework for government in existence. The extraordinary longevity of the Constitution suggests that the British statesman William Gladstone was not exaggerating when he described our Constitution as "the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man." The Constitution's endurance is, of course, a tribute to the wisdom and statesmanship of the Framers. But it is also a tribute to our continuing commitment to the fundamental precept of constitutionalism. The Constitution has served us well, but the same document, if given to a people without an appreciation of and a commitment to the rule of law, would be worse than useless. Thus, as we mark the 206th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution, we celebrate not only the genius of the Founders, but also the fidelity of our people to the principles embodied in the Constitution. If we are to maintain that commitment to government under law, we need to read and study the Constitution. Only by becoming familiar with its pro 150-006 0-94-5 visions can we understand and truly appreciate the Constitution's principles. Among the groups of Americans that have demonstrated their familiarity with the Constitution are naturalized Americans. As part of the naturalization process, persons seeking citizenship must pass an examination on the principles of American Government. That hundreds of thousands of people come to this country every year with the dream of becoming American citizens eloquently attests to the success of the venture in self-government launched by our Constitution. It is the duty of all Americans to understand this document and the rights and responsibilities it conveys. In commemoration of the signing of the Constitution, and in recognition of all those who as citizens of this Republic share the responsibility for preserving and protecting our constitutional heritage, the Congress has designated September 17, 1993, as "Citizenship Day" and the week beginning September 17, 1993, as "Constitution Week." NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 17, 1993, as “Citizenship Day" and the week beginning September 17, 1993, as "Constitution Week." I call upon the people of the United States to observe these occasions with appropriate ceremonies and activities, and I urge them to devote themselves to the study and discussion of the Constitution. I further call upon the officials of the Government to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on September 17, 1993, in honor of Citizenship Day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighteenth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Proclamation 6594 of September 21, 1993 National Historically Black Colleges and Universities By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our Nation's historically Black colleges and universities have long been a beacon of hope, a door to advancement, and a source of pride for African Americans. Founded upon a commitment to equal opportunity and academic excellence, these distinguished institutions have enabled thousands of people to receive a quality education and to pursue distinguished careers in fields such as education, law, medicine, business, the arts, engineering, and the military. Historically Black colleges and universities once offered African Americans their best, and often only, opportunities for higher education. Fortunately, the courts have now struck down legal barriers that forced the creation of separate schools for African Americans. Yet historically Black colleges and universities continue to play a vital role by adding to the diversity and cali t ber of the Nation's higher education system. Furthermore, these institutions remind all Americans of our obligation to uphold the principles of justice and equality enshrined in our Constitution. By an Executive order issued on April 28, 1989, the President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities was established to advise the President and the Secretary of Education on strengthening these valued institutions. The Executive order directed Federal agencies to devise ways to increase the ability of historically Black colleges and universities to participate in Federally funded programs. It also underscored the importance of increasing private sector support for these schools through such devices and activities as matching funds programs, management assistance, technical development, and curriculum planning. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, and in recognition of the rich heritage and prominent role in our country of historically Black colleges and universities, and of the many contributions these institutions and their graduates have made to our society, do hereby proclaim the period beginning September 19, 1993, and ending September 25, 1993, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities as an expression of their support for these important educational institutions. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighteenth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Editorial note: For the President's remarks on signing the Executive order on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, see the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents (vol. 29, p. 2232). Proclamation 6595 of September 21, 1993 National Farm Safety and Health Week, 1993 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The men and women who toil in America's agricultural sector endure many challenges and hardships in bringing to market their diverse and high quality foods and grains. This dedication to efficient production contributes significantly to the competitiveness of our Nation. Because we benefit from the bountiful harvests of these farmers and ranchers, it is fitting and appropriate that we observe National Farm Safety and Health Week to promote public awareness of the need for and the importance of agricultural worker health and safety. For decades, much has been accomplished through initiatives aimed at providing a safer environment for farmers, ranchers, and farm workers. Signifi cant engineering advances have provided guards, shields, and protective equipment, which reduce the hazards and risks associated with agriculture. Educators and concerned organizations have increased knowledge and changed attitudes and behaviors relating to safe work practices in the agricultural sector. However, there is still much to be accomplished. The arena of agricultural worker health presents many challenges. Long hours, the pressures associated with growing crops and raising livestock, and the vagaries of weather contribute to the creation of stressful situations to both body and mind. For example, agricultural workers have been shown to be particularly susceptible to skin problems, most notably skin cancer, due to exposure to the sun. Prolonged periods of loud noise are contributing to higher than normal levels of permanent hearing loss among farmers and ranchers. Constant exposure to hazardous chemicals may also predispose workers to health problems. While farming and ranching offer their practitioners many great returns, it should be recognized that agricultural professions are among the most dangerous. The next generation of farmers and ranchers is at special risk. Children are routinely exposed to powerful, complex farm equipment. Some chemicals and some work hazards such as dusts and flowing grain may detrimentally affect the health and safety of children. Their maturity and development must always be considered with regard to agricultural work. During National Farm Safety and Health Week, all of our Nation's citizens should resolve to make health and safety initiatives an integral part of America's great farming traditions. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim the week of September 19-25, 1993, as “National Farm Safety and Health Week." I urge all citizens of our great Nation to make the enhancement of farmer, rancher and farm worker health of utmost priority. I call upon the agencies, organizations and businesses which serve production agriculture to strengthen their commitment to agricultural safety and health programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighteenth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Proclamation 6596 of September 22, 1993 National Rehabilitation Week, 1993 and 1994 By the President of the United States of America Millions of Americans with disabilities are able to achieve independence |