Proclamation 2920—Pan American Day, 1951

Whereas April 14, 1951, will mark the sixty-first anniversary of the founding of the Pan American Union, which now serves as the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States; and

Whereas the Organization of American States has demonstrated its effectiveness in the maintenance of peace in the Western Hemisphere; and

Whereas the inter-American system may serve as an example of progress in the achievement of peace, security, and cooperation; and

Whereas the Fourth Meeting of Consultation of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of American States will convene a Washington on March 26, 1951, to consider action to be taken in the common defense of these republics and of the free world:

Now, Therefore, I, Harry S. Truman, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Saturday, April 14, 1951, as Pan American Day, and I direct the appropriate officials of the Government to arrange for the display of the flag of the United States on all public buildings on that day.

I also invite the Governors of the States, Territories, and possessions of the United States to issue similar proclamations for the observance of Pan American Day. And I urge all interested organizations, and the people generally, to unite in suitable ceremonies commemorative of the founding of the Pan American Union, thereby testifying to the close bonds of friendship existing between the people of the United States and those of the other American Republics.

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 23d day of March in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and fifty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and seventy-fifth.

HARRY S. TRUMAN

By the President:

DEAN ACHESON,

Secretary of State.