Transcript of Press Release, Proclamation for National Employ the Handicapped Week

Immediate Release                                                                                          September 22, 1945

NATIONAL EMPLOY THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED WEEK, 1945

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS the people of this Nation are determined to foster an environment in which those of their fellow citizens who have become physically handicapped can continue to make their rightful contribution to the work of the world and can continue to enjoy the opportunities and rewards of that work; and

WHEREAS Public Resolution No. 176, 79th Congress, approved August 11, 1945, provides in part:

“That hereafter the first week in October of each year shall be designated as National Employ of the Physically Handicapped week. During said week, appropriate ceremonies are to be held throughout the Nation, the purpose of which will be to enlist public support for and interest in the employment of otherwise qualified but physically handicapped workers”:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, HARRY S. TRUMAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby call upon the people of the United States to observe the week of October 7-13, 1945 as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. I ask the governors of States, mayors of cities, heads of the various agencies of the Government, and other public officials, as well as leaders in industry, education, religion, and every other aspect of common life, during this week and at all other suitable times, to exercise every appropriate effort to enlist public support of a sustained program for the employment and development of the abilities and capacities of those who are physically handicapped.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States of America to be affixed.

DONE at the City of Washington this twenty-first day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and forty-five and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and seventieth.

HARRY S. TRUMAN

By the President:

            DEAN ACHESON

                        Acting Secretary of State.