12 2 STA T .53 3 6PROCL A M AT I O N8 2 7 6 —JU L Y 2 4, 2 0 08 tribu t e t oal l our s er v i c e m embers a nd veterans , and w e underscore our N ation ’ s commitment to e q ualit y.O n J uly 26 , 1948 , P resident H arry T ruman si g ned Ex ecutive Order 9981, declaring ‘ ‘t h at there shall be equality o f treatment and o p por - tunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin.’’ Today, members of our A rmed F orces come from many different bac k grounds and cultures and are an- swering the call to service with bravery, decency, and resolve. Our Nation has long drawn strength from the diversity of its citi z ens. G roups such as the B uffalo S oldiers, the 442nd R egimental C ombat Team, the Tuskegee Airmen, and the ‘‘Borinqueneers’’ risked their lives while proudly wearing the uniform of the U nited States. By per- forming their missions with integrity and honor, they highlighted the power of liberty, helped open the door of opportunity, and earned the respect and admiration of a grateful Nation. On this anniversary, we celebrate the legacy of those who refused to allow adversity to diminish their spirit or extinguish their drive to help America live up to its promise of equality for all people. W e also com- memorate our veterans and service members whose noble and selfless actions have inspired generations of men and women to follow in their footsteps and made our country a more hopeful place. NOW, THEREFORE, I , GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2 0 08, as the 60th Anniversary of the Integration of the United States Armed Forces and urge all Americans to observe this day with appro- priate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty- third 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 n8276 o fJu l y 2 4, 2 0 08 An n iversa r yofth eA m eri c ans w ith D isa b i l ities Act ,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 The Americans with D isabilities Act ( ADA ) has helped tear down bar- riers for millions of people living with disabilities. On the anniversary of this important legislation, our Nation underscores our commitment to ensuring that all individuals have an equal opportunity to realize their full potential. On July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed this groundbreaking Act into law, better enabling citizens with disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of life. Over the course of nearly two decades, this Act has made our schools and workplaces more wel- coming, helped change attitudes that once seemed unchangeable, and expanded opportunity for many exceptional Americans. The ADA is
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