12 2 STA T .53 3 7PROCL A M AT I O N8 277 —JU L Y 2 4, 2 0 08 one o fth e m o s ts uc cessfu l c iv il r i g hts l aw s in our histor y an d has b een an essential p art of countless A merican lives .M y Administration is committed to wor k ing to empower those with disabilities so that all our people can achieve the American dream. B uilding on the success of the A D A , the N ew F reedom I nitiative of 20 0 1 has had a positive impact for many of our citi z ens. T echnological advances have helped individuals gain greater access to everyday life. S tudents with disabilities are given the tools they need to succeed, and in the workplace, innovative hiring and employment practices are helping to integrate Americans with disabilities into the workforce. The Ticket to W ork and Ability O ne programs have helped them be - come more self-sufficient by e x panding access to employment. Our Na- tion has benefited from the progress we have made since the enactment of the ADA, and it is our responsibility to continue working toward a country where all people are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. On this anniversary, we highlight our commitment to the ADA and cel- ebrate the progress that has been made toward full participation of peo- ple with disabilities in our society. NOW, T HER EFORE, I, G EORGE W. B U SH, P resident of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the C on- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim J uly 2 6 , 200 8 , as a day in celebration of the 18th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I call on all Americans to celebrate the vital con- tributions of individuals with disabilities as we work towards fulfilling the promise of the ADA to give all our citizens the opportunity to live with dignity, work productively, and achieve their dreams. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty- fourth day of July, in the year of our L ord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclam a ti o n827 7o fJu l y 2 4, 2 0 08 Parents’D a y,20 0 8BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation Parents teach their children timeless values to help them make the most of life ’ s opportunities and overcome its challenges. On Parents’ Day, we pay tribute to the parents who provide their children with guidance, support, and unconditional love and who help make our country a better place. Mothers and fathers are a source of stability and great comfort in soci- ety, and they have a vital obligation to love and care for their children. Through patient instruction and a loving example, they instill in chil- dren the principles that make our Nation strong and ensure that chil- dren have the skills to lead lives of character and integrity. As a child’s primary teachers, parents are responsible for their child’s education,
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