PUBLIC LAW 100-401--AUG. 17, 1988 Public Law 100-401 100th Congress
102 STAT. 1011
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Joint Resolution
Designating August 12, 1988, as "National Civil Rights Day".
Whereas the people of the United States are the heirs and beneficiaries of the courageous men and women who struggled to achieve legal and social equality in the United States for men and women of every race, religion, and country; Whereas such men and women include Martin Luther King, Jr., Susan B. Anthony, and Mary McLeod Bethune; Whereas the people of the United States should not forget that constant vigilance is necessary to ensure the protection of civil rights and much yet remains to be accomplished with respect to securing civil rights for all the people of the United States; Whereas in August 1963 Martin Luther King, Jr., led a march in Washington, D.C, to demonstrate the need for legislation to protect the civil rights of the people of the United States; Whereas August 12, 1988, is an appropriate date on which to commemorate the progress made in securing civil rights and the need for continued progress; and Whereas the National Civil Rights Museum and Hall of Fame will be constructed in Gary, Indiana, to pay continued tribute to the fallen national heroes of civil rights and the cause that they embraced: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That August 12, 1988, is designated as "National Civil Rights Day", and the President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States— (1) to pause for a minute of silence at noon on such day to pay tribute to the men and women who have struggled to secure civil rights for all the people of the United States, (2) to ring church bells 11 times during the minute of silence as a reminder that the hour is late with respect to continuing progress in securing civil rights for all the people of the United States, and (3) to observe such day with other appropriate ceremonies and activities. Approved August 17, 1988.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 140: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 134 (1988): Aug. 2, considered and passed House. Aug. 11, considered and passed Senate.
—— [H.J. Res. 140]
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