July 29, 1983
By the President of the United States
of America
A Proclamation
The people of this great Nation owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the brave men and women
of our Armed Forces who have fought to preserve America's freedom and independence. National
Paralyzed Veterans Recognition Day offers us an opportunity to express our appreciation to a
very special group of our veterans -- those who suffer the disability of paralysis.
On this day of tribute to these dedicated citizens, we honor them for the great sacrifice they made
for their country, and praise them for the courage, determination, and perseverance they
demonstrate daily in facing the difficult challenges of their disabilities. The strong will and spirit
which they exhibit in overcoming the limitations of their paralysis serve as an inspiring display of
the American drive to achieve, build, and advance which has kept this country strong for the past
two centuries. Each of us is heartened by the knowledge that this Nation's paralyzed veterans lead
active, productive lives which enrich us all. It is indeed appropriate that we set aside a special day
upon which to thank them for their past and continuing contributions to this country.
In recognition of the sacrifices and contributions that these veterans have made and the service
rendered by the many veterans who later suffered paralysis from nonservice related causes, the
Congress of the United States, by House Joint Resolution 258, has designated August 3, 1983, as
``National Paralyzed Veterans Recognition Day,'' and has authorized and requested the President
to issue a proclamation in observance of that day.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby
proclaim August 3, 1983, as National Paralyzed Veterans Recognition Day. I call upon the people
of the United States and interested organizations to mark this day with appropriate observances to
honor the sacrifices and service of paralyzed veterans.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 29th day of July, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and eighty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the
two hundred and eighth.
Ronald Reagan
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:06 a.m., August 1, 1983]