PROCLAMATION 4919—APR. 2, 1982
96 STAT. 2719
We owe a special debt of gratitude to our older citizens, who have enriched, and continue to enrich, our great nation. Older Americans from all walks of life have played a major role in creating the bounties of Hfe that bless us all. As we have come to appreciate the reservoir of experience and depth of knowledge possessed by our older citizens, we must recognize the importance of continuing to draw on them. Older Americans have much to give, both through employment and volunteer work. In paying homage to the contributions and continued potential of older Americans, we also recognize there are those among them who require assistance from others to enhance the quality of their golden years. As a nation, we are aging together. Opportunities and support we can provide to older Americans today will benefit all of us tomorrow. I urge all Americans to join in this call for intergenerational action that will make more meaningful the lives and potential of older Americans and our society as a whole. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate the month of May, 1982, as Older Americans Month. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixth. RONALD REAGAN Editorial Note: The President's remarks of Apr. 2, 1982, on signing Proclamation 4918 are printed in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents (vol. 18, p. 420). ,„
Proclamation 4919 of April 2, 1982
Cancer Control Month, 1982 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation
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This year marks the tenth anniversary of our country's commitment of major resources to the control of cancer through the National Cancer Program. While progress against this dread disease has been slow, each step forward can save thousands of lives since statistics show that one out of four Americans now living will become a victim of cancer. Research has demonstrated that lifestyle and environment play a crucial role in the development of cancer. Reports issued by the Surgeon General increasingly link cigarette smoking with cancer of the lung and other parts of the body. We have developed greater understanding of the effects of exposure to carcinogens and radiation in the workplace and have also learned the importance of diet and nutrition as factors in the development and prevention of cancer. Advances in biochemistry, microbiology, and other basic research have improved our comprehension of the cellular events that lead to cancer formation, but researchers still seek a clearer understanding of the cause of cancer as they strive to halt the progress of this disease more effectively.
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