[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 38 (Monday, September 26, 1994)]
[Pages 1825-1826]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6723--Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month, 1994

September 22, 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 re- 

[[Page 1826]]

lied 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.
                                     William Jefferson Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:52 a.m., September 
23, 1994]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 26.