1984 CompilationPresidential Documents PROCLAMATIONS Proclamation 5143 of January 3, 1984 Alaska Statehood Day, 1984 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The Territory of Alaska was admitted to the Union on January 3, 1959, as the forty-ninth State. In the twenty-five years since then, the sturdy inhabitants of our largest State have continued with distinction the work of developing this vast storehouse of abundant resources, while preserving its special environment. As a result of their efforts, Alaska now produces oneeighth of the Nation's gold, one-fifth of its petroleum, and two-fifths of its harvested fish. Ten of the sixteen strategic minerals vital to our Nation's security are produced in Alaska. The millions of dollars worth of minerals, forest and food products, and energy resources produced each year have long since repaid many times over the $7,000,000 paid by the United States to purchase Alaska in 1867. The people of Alaska constitute a special resource, one which has made possible the wise use of all the other abundant resources of this important State. Native Alaskans and immigrants from every State, as well as foreign countries, have worked together to build the cities, pipelines, rail, water, air, and ground transportation facilities which are the basis of Alaska's prosperity. Their hard work and dedication are an example to the rest of our people as we work to maintain America's greatness. In recognition of the importance of Alaska's people and its scenic and natural resources to the United States and in honor of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the admission of Alaska into the Union, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 42, has authorized and requested the President to proclaim January 3, 1984, as "Alaska Statehood Day." NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim January 3, 1984, as Alaska Statehood Day and call upon the people of the United States and the Federal, State, and local governments to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 3rd day of Jan., in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-4, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighth. RONALD REAGAN Proclamation 5144 of January 3, 1984 National Consumers Week, 1984 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The American consumer has been blessed by the freedom to participate in a social, economic, and governmental system that is unparalleled in any other land. Since the founding of this country, Americans have benefitted from the fruits of a free society. We are free to learn, free to choose a vocation, free to produce, and free to purchase. These fundamental freedoms and the willingness of our people to work hard have helped make America great. Americans are prosperous and enjoy a standard of living that is the envy of the world. It is appropriate to focus special attention on consumers and the important role they play in our economic and social system. We have emerged from a recession on a wave of consumer optimism that dramatically proves the truth of this year's slogan—“Consumers Mean Business." Our economic recovery program has dramatically lowered inflation and interest rates, giving buyers more disposable income. Consumers are reacting to the Nation's resurgent economy by purchasing homes, automobiles, durable goods, and those products or services which enhance the quality of life. With greater purchasing power, it is important that consumers have access to the latest information. Consumers need to understand the market economy, both here and abroad, and their options for earning, spending, saving, and investing income. Increased consumer and economic education in schools, workshops, the media, and the distribution of informative materials from government and business give consumers a greater appreciation of their rights and responsibilities in our incomparable American economy. Those who are sensitive to consumer needs and services and recognize that well-informed consumers mean business-repeat sales and sound market relationships-can expect to be rewarded with continuing opportunities to serve and profit. Wise consumers, properly informed and working with business representatives at all levels, can assure that our marketplace operates on mutual trust and fairness. By working together in the voluntary spirit that has always distinguished the character of Americans in all walks of life, we strengthen our free enterprise system and secure basic consumer rights for all. Let us show appreciation during National Consumers Week for our many freedoms and work together to enhance the consumer's economic equity in the marketplace. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning April 23, 1984, as National Consumer's Week. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 3rd day of Jan., in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-4, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighth. RONALD REAGAN Proclamation 5145 of January 3, 1984 Small Business Week, 1984 By the President of the United States of America America's strength lies in the ingenuity and perseverance of its people. No other group of Americans better exemplifies these qualities than the Nation's small business owners, who contribute daily to our economic wellbeing. The willingness of these individuals to embrace the challenges of competition and independence ensures that our lives are enriched with new opportunities and innovations. When their resourcefulness and resilience are melded with an economic system that allows them to pursue their goals and harness the dynamic forces of the marketplace, new products and technologies are developed, jobs are created, and the young and unskilled are trained for more productive lives. With each new opportunity our commitment to liberty is strengthened; with each new accomplishment our faith in ourselves is reaffirmed. Entrepreneurs are the standard-bearers of economic progress and the stalwarts of the energizing forces of the free market. As we embark upon a new era of economic growth and development, we should encourage small business owners by acknowledging their tremendous importance as the mainsprings of continued economic and individual progress for our Nation. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning May 6, 1984, as Small Business Week. I call upon the American people to join with me in saluting the small business owners of our Nation during this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 3rd day of Jan., in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-4, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighth. 53-002 0-85--2 RONALD REAGAN |