Proclamation 3551—National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week, 1963

Whereas the force behind our Nation's vitality and strength is imbedded in an environment which permits the full exercise of every citizen's right to lead a useful and satisfying life; and

Whereas the right to an opportunity to work is a birthright of all persons, irrespective of physical condition; and

Whereas a large segment of our population, despite physical and mental handicaps, is desirous of gaining an opportunity to employ their skills and talents, consistent with their capacities, by participating in our Nation's progress through meaningful employment; and

Whereas every means should be utilized to foster and encourage the voluntary acceptance of handicapped workers so that they may share fully in the benefits of our economic growth while contributing to the enrichment of our Nation as a whole; and

Whereas the Congress, by a joint resolution approved August 11, 1945 (59 Stat. 530), has designated the first week in October of each year as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week and has requested the President to issue a suitable proclamation each year:

Now, Therefore, I, John F. Kennedy, President of the United States of America, do call upon the people of our Nation to observe the week beginning October 6, 1963, as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week, and to cooperate with the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped in furthering equal employment opportunity for the handicapped.

I also call upon Federal, State, and local public officials, leaders of industry and labor, and other interested individuals and organizations to cooperate in its observance by renewing their efforts toward creating community awareness of the abilities of handicapped persons. I urge all volunteers to rededicate themselves during that week to continuing their year-round interest and activities on behalf of the 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-seventh day of August in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and eighty-eighth.

JOHN F. KENNEDY

By the President:

DEAN RUSK,

Secretary of State