CHAPTER 1-PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES

        

Amendments

2004- Pub. L. 108–447, div. J, title I, §111(c)(2), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3345 , inserted "Constitution Day and" before "Citizenship Day" in item 106.

2001- Pub. L. 107–89, §2, Dec. 18, 2001, 115 Stat. 877 , added item 144.

225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemoration

Pub. L. 108–447, div. J, title II, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3348 , provided that:

"SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.

"This title may be cited as the '225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemoration Act'.

"SEC. 202. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

"(a) FINDINGS.-Congress finds the following:

"(1) The American Revolution, inspired by the spirit of liberty and independence among the inhabitants of the original 13 colonies of Great Britain, was an event of global significance having a profound and lasting effect upon American Government, laws, culture, society, and values.

"(2) The years 2000 through 2008 mark the 225th anniversary of the Revolutionary War.

"(3) Every generation of American citizens should have an opportunity to understand and appreciate the continuing legacy of the American Revolution.

"(4) This 225th anniversary provides an opportunity to enhance public awareness and understanding of the impact of the American Revolution's legacy on the lives of citizens today.

"(5) Although the National Park Service administers battlefields, historical parks, historic sites, and programs that address elements of the story of the American Revolution, there is a need to establish partnerships that link sites and programs administered by the National Park Service with those of other Federal and non-Federal entities in order to place the story of the American Revolution in the broad context of its causes, consequences, and meanings.

"(6) The story and significance of the American Revolution can best engage the American people through a national program of the National Park Service that links historic structures and sites, routes, activities, community projects, exhibits, and multimedia materials, in a manner that is both unified and flexible.

"(b) Purposes.-The purposes of this Act [probably should be "title"] are as follows:

"(1) To recognize the enduring importance of the American Revolution in the lives of American citizens today.

"(2) To authorize the National Park Service to coordinate, connect, and facilitate Federal and non-Federal activities to commemorate, honor, and interpret the history of the American Revolution, its significance, and its relevance to the shape and spirit of American Government and society.

"SEC. 203. 225TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION COMMEMORATION PROGRAM.

"(a) In General.-The Secretary of the Interior (hereinafter in this Act [title] referred to as the 'Secretary') shall establish a program to be known as the '225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemoration' (hereinafter in this Act [title] referred to as the '225th Anniversary'). In administering the 225th Anniversary, the Secretary shall-

"(1) produce and disseminate to appropriate persons educational materials, such as handbooks, maps, interpretive guides, or electronic information related to the 225th Anniversary and the American Revolution;

"(2) enter into appropriate cooperative agreements and memoranda of understanding to provide technical assistance under subsection (c);

"(3) assist in the protection of resources associated with the American Revolution;

"(4) enhance communications, connections, and collaboration among the National Park Service units and programs related to the Revolutionary War;

"(5) expand the research base for American Revolution interpretation and education; and

"(6) create and adopt an official, uniform symbol or device for the theme 'Lighting Freedom's Flame: American Revolution, 225th Anniversary' and issue regulations for its use.

"(b) Elements.-The 225th Anniversary shall encompass the following elements:

"(1) All units and programs of the National Park Service determined by the Secretary to pertain to the American Revolution.

"(2) Other governmental and nongovernmental sites, facilities, and programs of an educational, research, or interpretive nature that are documented to be directly related to the American Revolution.

"(3) Through the Secretary of State, the participation of the Governments of the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Canada.

"(c) Cooperative Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding.-To achieve the purposes of this Act [title] and to ensure effective coordination of the Federal and non-Federal elements of the 225th Anniversary with National Park Service units and programs, the Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements and memoranda of understanding with, and provide technical assistance to, the following:

"(1) The heads of other Federal agencies, States, units of local government, and private entities.

"(2) In cooperation with the Secretary of State, the Governments of the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Canada.

"(d) Authorization of Appropriations.-There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this Act [title] $500,000 for each of fiscal years 2004 through 2009."

Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission

Pub. L. 107–202, July 24, 2002, 116 Stat. 739 , provided that:

"SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

"This Act may be referred to as the 'Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission Act'.

"SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

"The Congress finds as follows:

"(1) Benjamin Franklin was one of the most extraordinary men of the generation that founded the United States. Around the world, he remains one of the best-known Americans who has ever lived.

"(2) Benjamin Franklin's achievements include his literary work, his creation of philanthropic and educational institutions, his significant scientific explorations, and his service to the Nation as a statesman and diplomat.

"(3) Benjamin Franklin was the only American to sign all 5 enabling documents of the United States.

"(4) All people in the United States could benefit from studying the life of Benjamin Franklin and gaining a deeper appreciation of his legacy to the Nation.

"(5) January 17, 2006, is the 300th anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Franklin, and a commission should be established to study and recommend to the Congress activities that are fitting and proper to celebrate that anniversary in a manner that appropriately honors Benjamin Franklin.

"SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT.

"There is established a commission to be known as the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission (referred to in this Act as the 'Commission').

"SEC. 4. DUTIES.

"(a) Study.-The Commission shall have the following duties:

"(1) To study activities by the Government that would be fitting and proper to honor Benjamin Franklin on the occasion of the tercentenary of his birth, including but not limited to the following:

"(A) The minting of a Benjamin Franklin tercentenary coin.

"(B) The rededication of the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or other activities with respect to that memorial.

"(C) The acquisition and preservation of artifacts associated with Benjamin Franklin.

"(D) The sponsorship of publications, including catalogs and scholarly work, concerning Benjamin Franklin.

"(E) The sponsorship of conferences, exhibitions, or other public meetings concerning Benjamin Franklin.

"(F) The sponsorship of high school and collegiate essay contests concerning the life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin.

"(2) To recommend to the Congress in one or more of the interim reports submitted under section 9(a)-

"(A) the activities that the Commission considers most fitting and proper to honor Benjamin Franklin on the occasion of the tercentenary of his birth; and

"(B) the entity or entities in the Federal Government that the Commission considers most appropriate to carry out such activities.

"(b) Point of Contact.-The Commission, acting through its secretariat, shall serve as the point of contact of the Government for all State, local, international, and private sector initiatives regarding the tercentenary of Benjamin Franklin's birth, with the purpose of coordinating and facilitating all fitting and proper activities honoring Benjamin Franklin.

"SEC. 5. MEMBERSHIP.

"(a) Number and Appointment.-The Commission shall be composed of 15 members as follows:

"(1) The Librarian of Congress.

"(2) Fourteen qualified citizens, appointed as follows:

"(A) Two members appointed by the President.

"(B) Two members appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

"(C) Two members appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

"(D) Two members, at least one of whom shall be a Senator, appointed by the majority leader of the Senate.

"(E) Two members, at least one of whom shall be a Senator, appointed by the minority leader of the Senate.

"(F) Two members, at least one of whom shall be a Member of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

"(G) Two members, at least one of whom shall be a Member of the House of Representatives, appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives.

"(b) Qualified Citizen.-For purposes of this section, a qualified citizen is a citizen of the United States with-

"(1) a substantial knowledge and appreciation of the work and legacy of Benjamin Franklin; and

"(2) a commitment to educating people in the United States about the historical importance of Benjamin Franklin.

"(c) Time of Appointment.-Each initial appointment of a member of the Commission shall be made before the expiration of the 120-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [July 24, 2002].

"(d) Continuation of Membership.-If a member of the Commission was appointed to the Commission as a Member of the Congress, and ceases to be a Member of the Congress, that member may continue to serve on the Commission for not longer than the 30-day period beginning on the date on which that member ceases to be a Member of the Congress.

"(e) Terms.-Each member shall be appointed for the life of the Commission.

"(f) Vacancies.-A vacancy in the Commission shall not affect the powers of the Commission and shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made.

"(g) Basic Pay.-Members shall serve on the Commission without pay.

"(h) Travel Expenses.-Each member shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with applicable provisions under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.

"(i) Quorum.-Five members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings.

"(j) Chair.-The Commission shall select a Chair from among the members of the Commission.

"(k) Meetings.-The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chair.

"SEC. 6. ORGANIZATION.

"(a) Honorary Members.-The President-

"(1) shall serve as an honorary, nonvoting member of the Commission; and

"(2) may invite the President of France and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to serve as honorary, nonvoting members of the Commission.

"(b) Advisory Committee.-The Commission shall form an advisory committee, to be composed of representatives of the major extant institutions founded by or dedicated to Benjamin Franklin, including the following:

"(1) The Executive Director of the American Philosophical Society.

"(2) The President of the Franklin Institute.

"(3) The Librarian of the Library Company.

"(4) The Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

"(5) The President of the University of Pennsylvania.

"(c) Administrative Secretariat.-The Commission shall seek to enter into an arrangement with the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under which the Institute shall do the following:

"(1) Serve as the secretariat of the Commission, including by serving as the point of contact under section 4(b).

"(2) House the administrative offices of the Commission.

"SEC. 7. POWERS.

"(a) Hearings and Sessions.-The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out this Act, hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers appropriate.

"(b) Powers of Members and Agents.-Any member or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action that the Commission is authorized to take by this Act.

"(c) Obtaining Official Data.-The Commission may secure directly from any department or agency of the United States information necessary to enable the Commission to carry out this Act. Upon request of the Chair of the Commission, the head of that department or agency shall furnish that information to the Commission.

"(d) Mails.-The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the United States.

"(e) Administrative Support Services.-Upon the request of the Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support services necessary for the Commission to carry out its responsibilities under this Act.

"(f) Procurement.-The Commission may enter into contracts for supplies, services, and facilities to carry out the Commission's duties under this Act.

"(g) Donations.-The Commission may accept and use donations of-

"(1) money;

"(2) personal services; and

"(3) real or personal property related to Benjamin Franklin or the occasion of the tercentenary of his birth.

"SEC. 8. DIRECTOR AND STAFF.

"(a) Appointment.-The Commission may appoint a Director and such additional personnel as the Commission considers to be appropriate.

"(b) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.-The Director and staff of the Commission may be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.

"SEC. 9. REPORTS.

"(a) Interim Reports.-The Commission shall submit to the Congress such interim reports as the Commission considers to be appropriate.

"(b) Final Report.-The Commission shall submit a final report to the Congress not later than January 16, 2007. The final report shall contain-

"(1) a detailed statement of the activities of the Commission; and

"(2) any other information that the Commission considers to be appropriate.

"SEC. 10. TERMINATION.

"The Commission shall terminate 120 days after submitting its final report pursuant to section 9(b).

"SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

"There are authorized to be appropriated $500,000 for the period of fiscal years 2002 through 2007 to carry out this Act, to remain available until expended."

Brown v. Board of Education 50th Anniversary Commission

Pub. L. 107–41, Sept. 18, 2001, 115 Stat. 226 , created the Brown v. Board of Education 50th Anniversary Commission to plan and coordinate the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education and provided for reports by the Commission and for its termination not later than Feb. 1, 2005.

James Madison Commemoration Commission

Pub. L. 106–550, Dec. 19, 2000, 114 Stat. 2745 , known as the James Madison Commemoration Commission Act, created the James Madison Commemoration Commission and the James Madison Commemoration Advisory Committee, directed them to prepare various publications, activities, and events relating to the life of James Madison, and provided for a final report by the Commission not later than Feb. 15, 2002, and the termination of the Commission and Committee not later than 60 days after submission of the report.

Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission

Pub. L. 106–173, Feb. 25, 2000, 114 Stat. 14 , as amended by Pub. L. 107–20, title II, §2804, July 24, 2001, 115 Stat. 185 ; Pub. L. 107–68, title II, §209, Nov. 12, 2001, 115 Stat. 588 ; Pub. L. 107–117, div. B, §917(a), Jan. 10, 2002, 115 Stat. 2324 ; Pub. L. 108–7, div. H, title I, §1304, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 379 ; Pub. L. 108–59, §1, July 14, 2003, 117 Stat. 860 , provided that:

"SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

"This Act may be cited as the 'Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Act'.

"SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

"Congress makes the following findings:

"(1) Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President, was one of the Nation's most prominent leaders, demonstrating true courage during the Civil War, one of the greatest crises in the Nation's history.

"(2) Born of humble roots in Hardin County, Kentucky, on February 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln rose to the Presidency through a legacy of honesty, integrity, intelligence, and commitment to the United States.

"(3) With the belief that all men were created equal, Abraham Lincoln led the effort to free all slaves in the United States.

"(4) Abraham Lincoln had a generous heart, with malice toward none and with charity for all.

"(5) Abraham Lincoln gave the ultimate sacrifice for the country Lincoln loved, dying from an assassin's bullet on April 15, 1865.

"(6) All Americans could benefit from studying the life of Abraham Lincoln, for Lincoln's life is a model for accomplishing the 'American Dream' through honesty, integrity, loyalty, and a lifetime of education.

"(7) The year 2009 will be the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, and a commission should be established to study and recommend to Congress activities that are fitting and proper to celebrate that anniversary in a manner that appropriately honors Abraham Lincoln.

"SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT.

"There is established a commission to be known as the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission (referred to in this Act as the 'Commission').

"SEC. 4. DUTIES.

"The Commission shall have the following duties:

"(1) To study activities that may be carried out by the Federal Government to determine whether the activities are fitting and proper to honor Abraham Lincoln on the occasion of the bicentennial anniversary of Lincoln's birth, including-

"(A) the minting of an Abraham Lincoln bicentennial penny;

"(B) the issuance of an Abraham Lincoln bicentennial postage stamp;

"(C) the convening of a joint meeting or joint session of Congress for ceremonies and activities relating to Abraham Lincoln;

"(D) a rededication of the Lincoln Memorial, or other activity with respect to the Memorial; and

"(E) the acquisition and preservation of artifacts associated with Abraham Lincoln.

"(2) To recommend to Congress the activities that the Commission considers most fitting and proper to honor Abraham Lincoln on such occasion, and the entity or entities in the Federal Government that the Commission considers most appropriate to carry out such activities.

"(3) To recommend to Congress a plan to carry out the activities recommended under paragraph (2).

"(4) To carry out other related activities in support of the duties carried out under paragraphs (1) through (3).

"SEC. 5. MEMBERSHIP.

"(a) Number and Appointment.-The Commission shall be composed of 15 members appointed as follows:

"(1) Two members, each of whom shall be a qualified citizen described in subsection (b), appointed by the President.

"(2) One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described in subsection (b), appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Governor of Illinois.

"(3) One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described in subsection (b), appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Governor of Indiana.

"(4) One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described in subsection (b), appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Governor of Kentucky.

"(5) Three members, at least one of whom shall be a Member of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

"(6) Three members, at least one of whom shall be a Senator, appointed by the majority leader of the Senate.

"(7) Two members, at least one of whom shall be a Member of the House of Representatives, appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives.

"(8) Two members, at least one of whom shall be a Senator, appointed by the minority leader of the Senate.

"(b) Qualified Citizen.-A qualified citizen described in this subsection is a private citizen of the United States with-

"(1) a demonstrated dedication to educating others about the importance of historical figures and events; and

"(2) substantial knowledge and appreciation of Abraham Lincoln.

"(c) Time of Appointment.-Each initial appointment of a member of the Commission shall be made before the expiration of the 120-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 25, 2000].

"(d) Continuation of Membership.-If a member of the Commission was appointed to the Commission as a Member of Congress, and ceases to be a Member of Congress, that member may continue to serve on the Commission for not longer than the 30-day period beginning on the date that member ceases to be a Member of Congress.

"(e) Terms.-Each member shall be appointed for the life of the Commission.

"(f) Vacancies.-A vacancy in the Commission shall not affect the powers of the Commission but shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made.

"(g) Basic Pay.-Members shall serve on the Commission without pay.

"(h) Travel Expenses.-Each member shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States Code.

"(i) Quorum.-Five members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum but a lesser number may hold hearings.

"(j) Chair.-The Commission shall select a Chair from among the members of the Commission.

"(k) Meetings.-The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chair. Periodically, the Commission shall hold a meeting in Springfield, Illinois.

"SEC. 6. DIRECTOR AND STAFF.

"(a) Director.-The Commission may appoint and fix the pay of a Director and such additional personnel as the Commission considers to be appropriate.

"(b) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.-

"(1) Director.-The Director of the Commission may be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.

"(2) Staff.-Consistent with all other applicable Federal laws governing appointments and compensation, the staff of the Commission may be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.

"SEC. 7. POWERS.

"(a) Hearings and Sessions.-The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out this Act, hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers to be appropriate.

"(b) Powers of Members and Agents.-Any member or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action that the Commission is authorized to take by this Act.

"(c) Obtaining Official Data.-The Commission may secure directly from any department or agency of the United States information necessary to enable the Commission to carry out this Act. Upon request of the Chair of the Commission, the head of that department or agency shall furnish that information to the Commission.

"(d) Mails.-The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the United States.

"(e) Administrative Support Services.-Upon the request of the Commission, the Librarian of Congress shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, administrative support services necessary for the Commission to carry out its responsibilities under this Act, including disbursing funds available to the Commission, and computing and disbursing the basic pay for Commission personnel.

"(f) Gifts.-The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out this Act, accept and use gifts of money, property, and services, and, notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, may accept and use voluntary services as the Commission deems necessary.

"(g) Detail of Federal Employees.-On the request of the Commission, the head of a Federal agency or other Federal appointing authority may detail, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis, any of its employees to the Commission to assist the Commission in carrying out the duties of the Commission under this Act. Any such detail of an employee shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege. Any reimbursement under this subsection shall be credited to the appropriation, fund, or account used for paying the amounts reimbursed.

"(h) Employment Benefits.-

"(1) In general.-The Commission shall fix employment benefits for the Director and for additional personnel appointed under section 6(a), in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3).

"(2) Employment benefits for the director.-

"(A) In general.-The Commission shall determine whether or not to treat the Director as a Federal employee for purposes of employment benefits. If the Commission determines that the Director is to be treated as a Federal employee, then he or she is deemed to be an employee as that term is defined by section 2105 of title 5, United States Code, for purposes of chapters 63, 83, 84, 87, 89, and 90 of that title, and is deemed to be an employee for purposes of chapter 81 of that title. If the Commission determines that the Director is not to be treated as a Federal employee for purposes of employment benefits, then the Commission or its administrative support service provider shall establish appropriate alternative employment benefits for the Director. The Commission's determination shall be irrevocable with respect to each individual appointed as Director, and the Commission shall notify the Office of Personnel Management and the Department of Labor of its determination. Notwithstanding the Commission's determination, the Director's service is deemed to be Federal service for purposes of section 8501 of title 5, United States Code.

"(B) Detailee serving as director.-Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a detailee who is serving as Director.

"(3) Employment benefits for additional personnel.-A person appointed to the Commission staff under section 6(b)(2) is deemed to be an employee as that term is defined by section 2105 of title 5, United States Code, for purposes of chapters 63, 83, 84, 87, 89, and 90 of that title, and is deemed to be an employee for purposes of chapter 81 of that title.

"SEC. 8. REPORTS.

"(a) Interim Reports.-In addition to the interim report required under subsection (b), the Commission may submit to Congress such interim reports as the Commission considers to be appropriate.

"(b) Required Interim Report.-Not later than June 24, 2004, the Commission shall submit an interim report to Congress. The report shall contain-

"(1) a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission;

"(2) the recommendations of the Commission; and

"(3) any other information that the Commission considers to be appropriate.

"(c) Final Report.-Not later than April 30, 2010, the Commission shall submit a final report to Congress. The final report shall contain final statements, recommendations, and information described under subsection (b)(1), (2), and (3).

"SEC. 9. BUDGET ACT COMPLIANCE.

"Any spending authority provided under this Act shall be effective only to such extent and in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts.

"SEC. 10. TERMINATION.

"The Commission shall terminate 120 days after submitting the final report of the Commission pursuant to section 8.

"SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

"There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act."

[ Pub. L. 107–117, div. B, §917(b), Jan. 10, 2002, 115 Stat. 2325 , provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending section 209 of Pub. L. 107–68, which amended section 7 of Pub. L. 106–173, set out above] shall take effect as if included in the enactment of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2002 (Public Law 107–68)."]

Proc. No. 4934. Armed Forces Day

Proc. No. 4934, Apr. 16, 1982, 47 F.R. 16767, provided:

Each year we Americans set aside one day to honor the brave and dedicated men and women of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

They serve our nation with dignity, courage, and pride in duty stations throughout the world. The peace we enjoy today reminds us of their important role.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, continuing the precedent of my seven immediate predecessors in this Office, do hereby proclaim the third Saturday of each May as Armed Forces Day.

I direct the Secretary of Defense on behalf of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Marine Corps, and the Secretary of Transportation on behalf of the Coast Guard, to plan for appropriate observances each year, with the Secretary of Defense responsible for soliciting the participation and cooperation of civil authorities and private citizens.

I invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, to provide for the observance of Armed Forces Day within their jurisdiction each year in an appropriate manner designed to increase public understanding and appreciation of the Armed Forces of the United States.

I also invite national and local veterans, civic and other organizations to join in the observance of Armed Forces Day each year.

I call upon all Americans not only to display the flag of the United States at their homes on Armed Forces Day, but also to learn about our system of defense, and about the men and women who sustain it, by attending and participating in the local observances of the day.

Proclamation 4571 of May 15, 1978, is hereby superseded.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 16th 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.      

Executive Order No. 13072

Ex. Ord. No. 13072, Feb. 2, 1998, 63 F.R. 6041, provided for formation of the White House Millennium Council to lead the country in a celebration of the new millennium by initiating and recognizing national and local projects that contributed in educational, creative, and productive ways to America's commemoration of that historic time.