Proclamation 2957—Stephen Foster Memorial Day

Whereas Stephen Collins Foster has achieved world-wide renown through his imperishable songs reflecting American traditions and folklore; and

Whereas his magic gift for melody has brought pleasure to succeeding generations of Americans; and

Whereas memorials in his honor have been erected in the States of Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Pennsylvania; and

Whereas the Congress, by a joint resolution approved on October 27, 1951 (Public Law 225, 82d Congress), has authorized the President to issue a proclamation designating January 13 of each year, the anniversary of the composer's death in 1864, as Stephen Foster Memorial Day:

Now, Therefore, I, Harry S. Truman, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate Sunday, January 13, 1952, and each succeeding January 13 throughout the years, as Stephen Foster Memorial Day; and I call upon the people of the United States to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies, pilgrimages to the shrines of this beloved composer, and musical programs featuring his compositions.

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 13th day of December 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-sixth.

HARRY S. TRUMAN

By the President:

DEAN ACHESON,
Secretary of State.