[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 185 (Monday, September 26, 1994)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 49149-49150]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-23959]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: September 26, 1994]


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Part VI





The President





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Proclamation 6723--
Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month, 1994


                        Presidential Documents 


Federal Register
Vol. 59, No. 185
Monday, September 26, 1994

____________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President
                Proclamation 6723 of September 22, 1994

 
Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month, 1994

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Between 1880 and 1914, nearly four million people left 
                the familiar comfort and sweep of Italy to make a new 
                life for themselves and their families in the unknown 
                land of America. Young and old, rich and poor, Italian 
                immigrants saw in the shores of the United States a 
                symbol of hope and opportunity. Many came with little 
                money and few possessions. Many carried only a love of 
                freedom, a belief in hard work, and an abiding faith in 
                the importance of family.

                Bound together by a shared heritage and by a common 
                experience as newcomers in a new culture, the Italian-
                American community drew its strength from within. 
                During work days that often began before dawn and ended 
                well after dusk, Italian Americans relied on the 
                knowledge and determination that continue to drive our 
                economy today. Working side by side when times were 
                tight, family members depended on one another to 
                survive and, ultimately, to prosper. And their success 
                was apparent in the bright faces of the countless sons 
                and daughters who followed their example and went on to 
                raise families of their own. Today, third and fourth 
                generations of Italian Americans maintain that 
                tradition of community, looking back on the courage of 
                their ancestors with heartfelt gratitude and 
                unparalleled pride.

                Italian Americans have indeed worked hard to build upon 
                their rich heritage over the last century, and the 
                fruits of their labors are evident in every aspect of 
                our national life. From politics to business to 
                academia, their diverse talents and skills have 
                sustained our society and enriched our daily lives. 
                This month, we pause to recognize their many 
                extraordinary accomplishments. More than that, we 
                reflect on the unique cultural heritage that, a hundred 
                years ago, helped to turn the dream of a distant land 
                into the reality of an American home.

                The Congress, by House Joint Resolution 175 (Public Law 
                No. 103-309), has designated October 1994, as 
                ``Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month'' and has 
                authorized and requested the President to issue a 
                proclamation in observance of this month.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month 
                of October 1994 as Italian-American Heritage and 
                Culture Month. I call upon the people of the United 
                States to observe this occasion with appropriate 
                programs, ceremonies, and activities.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord 
                nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and of the 
                Independence of the United States of America the two 
                hundred and nineteenth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)>

[FR Doc. 94-23959
Filed 9-23-94; 10:52 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P