Proclamation 3102—John Marshall Bicentennial Month

Whereas John Marshall, soldier, diplomat, legislator, and fourth Chief Justice of the United States, played a vital role in the strengthening of our constitutional form of government; and

Whereas his long and distinguished term of office as Chief Justice, from 1801 to 1835, was marked by precedent-setting decisions which have been important factors in developing and maintaining the historic liberties of the people of the United States; and

Whereas a wider public knowledge and appreciation of the work and achievements of the great Chief Justice are desirable today in order to strengthen the moral, social, and political structure of our Nation, and to help in the preservation and protection of the lives, liberties, and property of all our people; and

Whereas September 24, 1955, is the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of John Marshall, and the Congress, by joint resolution approved on August 13, 1954 (68 Stat. 702), has designated the month of September 1955 as John Marshall Bicentennial Month and has requested the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe that month by paying tribute to the achievements and memory of John Marshall:

Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America, do hereby call upon all interested agencies and organizations throughout the Nation to observe the month of September 1955 as John Marshall Bicentennial Month with appropriate activities and ceremonies commemorative of the inspiring role of John Marshall in our national life, and I urge the people of the United States to take part in such activities and ceremonies.

I also urge the people of the United States to read the Constitution, and to study its history and its interpretations, for a better understanding and appreciation of our country and of John Marshall.

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 July in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and fifty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and eightieth.

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

By the President:

JOHN FOSTER DULLES,

Secretary of State