Proclamations Proc. 7368 of Americans with disabilities by allowing them to pursue their dreams and make their own contributions to our society. But even before passage of these landmark laws, the white cane was help- ing to open doors of opportunity for many blind and visually impaired Americans. With proper training, people using the white cane can enioy greater mobility and safety by determining the location of curbs, steps, un- even pavement, and other physical obstacles in their path. The white cane has given them the freedom to travel independently to their schools and workplaces and to participate more fully in the life of their communities. The white cane is a simple tool, but, like Marla Runyan's accomplishments, it reminds us that the only barriers against people with disabilities are dis- criminatory attitudes and practices that our society has too often placed in their way. As we observe White Cane Safety Day, let us reaffirm our com- mitment to building a society where we embrace the talents, energy, and contributions of every individual. To honor the many achievements of blind and visually impaired citizens and to recognize the white cane's significance in advancing independence, the Congress, by ioint resolution approved October 6, 1964, has designated October 15 of each year as "White Cane Safety Day." NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM }. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2000, as White Cane Safety Day. I call upon the people of the United States, government offi- cials, educators, and business leaders to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Proclamation 7368 of October 20, 2000 National Day of Concern About Young People and Gun Violence, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every day in America, approximately 10 children are shot and killed. Chil- dren 15 years old and younger are murdered with firearms at a higher rate in this country than in 25 other industrialized countries combined. These tragedies are an urgent reminder that we must not waver in our national commitment to reduce gun violence and to make our society safer for our children. We are beginning to see some progress in our efforts. Since 1992, the na- tional violent crime rate has dropped by more than 20 percent; violent crimes committed with firearms have dropped by 35 percent; and the fire- arms homicide rate has fallen over 40 percent. We have achieved much of 187
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