tary to Representative Jim Courter, 1988; senior adviser for Jack Kemp for President, 1987-1988; legislative director for Representative Jack Kemp, 1985-1987; legislative assistant to Representative Jack Kemp, 1982-1984; and staff assistant to the House Republican Conference, 1982. Ms. Brunette graduated from Le Moyne College (B.A., 1982). She was born September 12, 1960, in Rochester, NY, and currently resides in Falls Church, VA. Proclamation 6181-Religious Freedom Week, 1990 September 20, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Many of the first colonists to settle in this country during the 17th century were driven by their desire to worship God freely, without fear of persecution. Devout in their faith and determined to enjoy the freedom denied to them in the lands of their birth, they braved the vast uncharted waters of the Atlantic in cramped wooden vessels and sought refuge in the New World. These early settlers were members of many different religious groups, yet all yearned for freedom and tolerance. Thus, by the time our Nation's Founders framed our Constitution and Bill of Rights, a unique tradition of religious liberty had already taken root in America. Our Constitution provides that "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." However, the most celebrated guarantee of religious liberty in U.S. law is contained in the First Amendment to the Constitution. It states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." For well over 200 years, we Americans have maintained that religious freedom is not bestowed by government; rather, religious freedom is an inherent and unalienable right that not only precedes the social contract of government but also imposes a fundamental limitation on government power. Ten years before the delegates to the Federal Convention framed our Constitution, in his draft Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom in Virginia, Thomas Jefferson eloquently expressed this belief: Almighty God hath created the mind. free, and manifested His supreme will that free it shall remain by making it altogether insusceptible of restraint; that all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burthens . . . are a departure from the plan of the Holy Author of our religion, who being Lord both of body and mind, yet chose not to propagate it by coercions on either, as was in His Almighty power to do. Thus recognizing Man's free will as both the design and gift of the Creator, the members of the Virginia House of Delegates affirmed the view of religious liberty as an inherent and unalienable right and guaranteed "that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no [way] diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities." Throughout our Nation's history, the free exercise of religion has not only enriched the lives of individual believers but also strengthened the moral fabric of our society. The American people's faith in God, free from the weight of government oppression and interference, has shaped our Nation's most cherished values and institutions. It has also inspired our efforts to defend the cause of freedom and justice, both here at home and around the world. In 1807, during his second term as President, Thomas Jefferson observed: "Among the most inestimable of our blessings is that ... of liberty to worship our Creator in the way we think most agreeable to His will; a liberty deemed in other countries incompatible with good government and yet proved by our experience to be its best support." This week, we celebrate the enduring truth of his words. In recognition of the importance of religious freedom and the spirit of tolerance in our society, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 331, has designated the week be ginning September 23, 1990, as "Religious Freedom Week" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week. Now, Therefore, I, George Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week of September 23 through September 29, 1990, as Religious Freedom Week. I urge all Americans to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifteenth. George Bush [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:23 p.m., September 20, 1990] Proclamation 6182-National Teacher By the President of the United States A Proclamation The United States is currently engaged in a nationwide effort to restore excellence to our educational system. Today more and more parents, educators, and elected officials are determined to set high standards for our schools and to meet them. Recognizing the importance of learning, not only in and of itself, but also as a means of maintaining the Nation's strength and productivity in an increasingly competitive world, we have established ambitious national education goals for the year 2000. If we are to succeed, we must reaffirm our support for a group of men and women who are working hard to achieve these goals-our Nation's teachers. Education is a lifelong process of learning and discovery that begins in a child's home and extends through years of schooling and experience. On this National Teacher Appreciation Day, we honor teachers for their unique and important role in advancing our children's education. By helping their students to grow in knowledge, skill, and reasoning ability, teachers not only open the doors of opportunity for them but also help them to become responsible, productive citizens. In this way, the dedicated men and women who educate our Nation's youth also help to shape the future of the United States. That is why their work is so important to all of us. Whether they work in the traditional academic setting, vocational training, continuing education, or special education, teachers influence both the personal and the intellectual development of their students. Indeed, teachers who convey a genuine commitment to excellence-as well as respect for authority and a sense of responsibility and concern for others—are among the best role models a young person can have. When a teacher cultivates in his or her students not only knowledge but also a lifelong love of learning, that teacher has given them a great and lasting gift. The work of a good teacher endures, long after his or her students have said farewell. As we advance in years, we cannot fail to remember gratefully our best teachersperhaps the elementary school teacher who recognized our potential and patiently helped us to develop it; or the high school English instructor who challenged and inspired us; or the college history professor who breathed life into ancient texts and enabled us to become a thrilled companion on the journeys of entire nations. We can never thank these teachers enough, and we can never fully trace the extent of their influence in our lives. For all they do on behalf of our children and the Nation, teachers merit our abiding respect and gratitude. Let us ensure that we express both, not only on National Teacher Appreciation Day, but also throughout the year. In grateful recognition of America's teachers, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 313, has designated October 3, 1990, as "National Teacher Appreciation Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this event. Now, Therefore, I, George Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 3, 1990, as National Teacher Appreciation Day. I urge all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifteenth. George Bush [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:24 p.m., September 20, 1990] Proclamation 6183-Leif Erikson Day, 1990 September 20, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation When Leif Erikson landed in North America nearly a millennium ago, he helped to chart a course that would one day be followed by generations of brave European explorers and missionaries. He also established the first of the now centuries-old ties between the peoples of this continent and those of northern Europe. The son of Eric the Red, who led the first group of Europeans to colonize Greenland, Leif Erikson is believed to have returned to his native Norway in the year 1000. There, according to the Icelandic Saga of Eric, the young navigator became a convert to Christianity. Later commissioned by King Olaf Tryggvason (Olaf I) to return to Greenland as a missionary, Erikson set sail once more. During a number of his journeys on the open seas, "Leif the Lucky" explored portions of North America. Many others eventually followed in his wake, hoping to see for themselves the rich and beautiful territories he had called Helluland, Vinland, and Markland. Since Leif Erikson first set foot on the North American continent, generations of Nordic men and women have come to the United States, bringing with them the wealth of their unique cultural heritage. Over the years immigrants from Iceland, Greenland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland have greatly enriched our country and added their own chapters to the everunfolding story of America's development. Each October 9, as we remember Leif Erikson, the bold Son of Iceland and Grandson of Norway, we also celebrate our Nation's magnificent Nordic heritage. This daring navigator with a missionary zeal, whose name is so often associated with images of adventure and romance, is also a beloved symbol of the deep and enduring ties between the people of the United States and our friends in all the Nordic countries. In honor of Leif Erikson and our Nordic American heritage, the Congress, by joint resolution approved on September 2, 1964 (78 Stat. 849, 36 U.S.C. 169c), has authorized and requested the President to proclaim October 9 of each year as "Leif Erikson Day." Now, Therefore, I, George Bush, PresiIdent of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 1990, as Leif Erikson Day, and I direct the appropriate government officials to display the flag of the United States on all government buildings on that day. I also encourage the people of the United States to observe this occasion by learning more about our rich Nordic American heritage and the early history of our continent. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifteenth. George Bush [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:25 p.m., September 20, 1990] Nomination of John P. Leonard To Be United States Ambassador to Suriname September 20, 1990 The President today announced his intention to nominate John P. Leonard, of Vir ginia, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Suriname. He would succeed Richard C. Howland. Since 1988 Mr. Leonard has served as Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Embassy in Managua. Prior to this, he served with the State Department, 1987-1988; Counselor of the U.S. Embassy in Montevideo, Uruguay, 1985-1987; and Counselor of the U.S. Embassy in Asuncion, Paraguay, 1983-1985. In addition, Mr. Leonard served in the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, 1981-1983; a politico-military officer in Madrid, Spain, 1978-1981; and in the Department of State, 1973-1978. He also served in Seoul, Republic of Korea, as a political officer, 1970-1973, and as vice consul, 1969-1970; and third secretary and vice consul at the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg, 1966-1968. Mr. Leonard graduated from Harvard University (B.A., 1962). He was born July 16, 1940, in New York, NY. Mr. Leonard served in the U.S. Army, 1962–1965. He is married and has two children. Proclamation 6184-Emergency Medical Services Week, 1990 September 20, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Each day, members of our Nation's emergency medical services (EMS) teams help to save lives. Providing swift, specialized care for seriously ill or injured persons-at all hours of the day or night and often while enduring difficult and even hazardous conditions-emergency medical personnel demonstrate daily the depth of their bravery, dedication, and compassion. At some time in our lives, most of us will witness or even benefit from the extraordinary efforts of EMS personnel in the wake of a motor vehicle collision, an industrial or household accident, sudden illness, or natu ral disaster. Medical emergencies arise from many such sources, but emergency medical care is always a team effort. From the paramedics and emergency medical technicians who provide immediate care at the scene of a crisis to the physicians, nurses, and technical specialists who offer emergency care in the hospital setting, thousands of hardworking, highly skilled men and women labor together to ensure the success of our Nation's emergency medical services systems. The unsung heroes of our Nation's EMS teams include dispatchers and other communications specialists, transport personnel who move patients quickly to medical centers for treatment, administrators, and educators who provide training in emergency skills and accident prevention. Whether full-time workers or volunteers, the dedicated men and women who serve their communities as members of EMS teams deserve the highest recognition and praise. This week, we applaud their lifesaving efforts in emergency care and accident prevention and express our determination to cooperate with them in building a safer, healthier America. The Congress, by House Joint Resolution 568, has designated the week beginning September 16, 1990 as "Emergency Medical Services Week" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week. Now, Therefore, I, George Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning September 16, 1990, as Emergency Medical Services Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifteenth. George Bush [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:46 a.m., September 21, 1990] Note: The proclamation was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on September 21. Statement by Deputy Press Secretary Popadiuk on the President's Meeting on the Installation of the Administrator and Deputy Administrator of the Panama Canal Commission September 21, 1990 The President met today in the Oval Office with Gilberto Guardia and Raymond Laverty to congratulate them upon their installation as Administrator and Deputy Administrator of the Panama Canal. They were sworn in on September 20, 1990, in a ceremony at the Department of State. Mr. Guardia is the first Panamanian citizen to head the Canal and the first non-U.S. citizen to head a U.S. Government Agency. Panamanian Vice President Guillermo Ford also attended the meeting. The President noted that the assumption of the offices of Administrator and Deputy Administrator, according to the procedures agreed to by the United States and Panama in the Panama Canal Treaty, is a demonstration that the two countries can work together on the basis of equality and mutual respect to ensure a safe and efficient canal. Vice President Ford's presence is a fitting reminder of the vitality of the new democratic government in Panama and the strength of the ties between our two countries. The Panama Canal Treaties provide a sound framework for the common interests of the United States and Panama in seeing the canal continue as a secure and efficient link for world trade. The United States is committed to preparing for a smooth and trouble-free transfer of the canal to Panama at the end of the century. The President asked that Mr. Guardia and Mr. Laverty convey to the American and Panamanian employees of the Panama Canal Commission the thanks and appreciation of the U.S. Government for their skilled and dedicated service. Nomination of Merrill A. McPeak To The President today nominated General Merrill A. McPeak, U.S. Air Force, to be Chief of Staff of the Air Force. He will succeed General Michael J. Dugan. General McPeak is presently serving as commander in chief, Pacific Air Forces; air component commander for U.S. Pacific Command; and executive director, Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff. General McPeak was born January 9, 1936, in Santa Rosa, CA. Nomination of Roscoe Burton Starek The President today announced his intention to nominate Roscoe Burton Starek III, of Illinois, to be a Federal Trade Commissioner for the term of 7 years from September 26, 1990. He would succeed Terry Calvani. Since January 1989 Mr. Starek has served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel at the White House. Prior to this he served as deputy director of presidential personnel for the Bush transition team. In addition, Mr. Starek has served in several positions with the Department of State over a period of 7 years, including Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Counterterrorism; Legislative Counsel to the Undersecretary for Management, 1985-1986; deputy chief negotiator for Transportation and Telecommunications, 1984; and State DepartmentWhite House liaison, 1982-1983. In addition, he has served as chief minority counsel to the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control of the House of Representatives, 1979; associate counsel to the House Judiciary Committee, 1976-1979; counsel to the minority of the House Select Committee on Intelligence, 1975; Assistant General Counsel to the Presidential Clemency Board at the White House; counsel to the impeachment inquiry, 1974; legislative assistant and then as a professional staff member for United States Senator Charles Percy, 1972-1973. |