[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 41 (Monday, October 20, 2008)]
[Page 1342]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8307--White Cane Safety Day, 2008

 October 13, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Compassion is one of our Nation's defining values, and we must work 
to ensure that all Americans are able to participate fully in society. 
The white cane allows many of our citizens who are blind or visually 
impaired to enjoy increased mobility. On White Cane Safety Day, we 
celebrate the symbolism of the white cane and highlight the importance 
of ensuring that individuals who are blind or visually impaired can live 
independently and realize their full potential.
    Through the New Freedom Initiative, my Administration has put into 
action our strong commitment to helping more individuals with 
disabilities participate in all aspects of life. Since 2001, this 
initiative has built on the progress of the Americans with Disabilities 
Act and helped create greater access to schools, the workplace, and 
community life. These efforts are helping to remove barriers and 
enabling more Americans to live with greater dignity and freedom.
    The Congress, by joint resolution approved on October 6, 1964 
(Public Law 88-628), as amended, has designated October 15 of each year 
as ``White Cane Safety Day.''
     Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States 
of America, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2008, as White Cane Safety 
Day. I call upon public officials, business leaders, educators, 
librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this day 
with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day 
of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 1:15 p.m., October 15, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on October 14, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
October 17.