Proclamation 3612—National Highway Week, 1964

Whereas safe, efficient, and economical highway transportation is vital to our continued national growth; and

Whereas adequate highways promote the social and economic opportunities of every American, and strengthen the defense of our Nation; and

Whereas the Federal and State governments are engaged in a cooperative program for the accelerated construction of highways; and

Whereas the completion of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, and the improvement of other highways, is essential to the attainment of our needs for safe and adequate transportation; and

Whereas the death of 43,600 persons in traffic accidents last year emphasizes the need for highway improvements; and

Whereas I have directed that an accelerated attack on traffic accidents be undertaken through the Federal-aid Highway Program, with the cooperation of State and local governments:

Now, Therefore, I, Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United States of America., do hereby proclaim the week beginning October 4, 1964, as National Highway Week in recognition of the importance of highway transportation to the social and economic progress and defense of our Nation; and I urge the Governors of the States and mayors of cities to issue similar proclamations.

I also ask appropriate officials of the Federal, State and local governments, as well as public and private organizations and the general public, to join in this observance.

During this week I urge all Americans to give recognition to the value of highway transportation to their own activities and to our national welfare.

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 fourth day of September in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and sixty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and eighty-ninth.

LYNDON B. JOHNSON

By the President:

DEAN RUSK,

Secretary of State.