Proclamation 3072—National Nurse Week

Whereas this autumn marks the one hundredth anniversary of Florence Nightingale's historic contribution to the cause of nursing by her heroic leadership in alleviating human suffering in the Crimea; and

Whereas a continuing renewal and extension of the ranks of nurses, through the attraction of young people to the nursing profession, is of grave importance to the Nation's future well-being; and

Whereas the support of an informed and sympathetic public is essential to progress in the humanitarian efforts of our nurses; and

Whereas the Congress, by a joint resolution approved August 23, 1954, (68 Stat. 766), has designated the period beginning October 11, 1954, and ending October 16, 1954, as National Nurse Week, in honor of the professional nurses of America and in recognition of the vitally important service they have rendered in the promotion of the national health and welfare; and

Whereas the Congress, in the same resolution, has requested the President to issue a proclamation calling upon all the people of the United States to cooperate in the observance of that week:

Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America, do hereby call upon all citizens to observe the period beginning Monday, October 11, 1954, and ending Saturday, October 16, 1954, as National Nurse Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

I also invite the Governors of the States, Territories, and possessions of the United States to issue similar proclamations, and I urge the medical profession, the press, and the radio and television industries, as well as other interested groups, to unite in public tribute to all those who give nursing care. And I call upon the people generally to express their appreciation of the untiring efforts of our nurses in caring for the health needs of the people of this Nation.

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 eighth day of October in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and fifty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and seventy-ninth.

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

By the President:

JOHN FOSTER DULLES,

Secretary of State