February 14, 1985
Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week affords us the opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity of
cultures that comprise our great Republic. This year's theme, ``America is many, count me in,''
reminds us that ours is a nation of immigrants built by men and women who came here seeking
liberty, opportunity and equality.
Those who arrived on our shores soon learned that enjoyment of these rights entailed the
responsibilities of citizenship. Above all, they learned that we remain free only for so long as we
remain tolerant of the rights of others.
This spirit of tolerance has helped make America an open society, a nation whose strength is
derived from its tapestry of cultures. Our ability to meet the complex challenges of an uncertain
future depends on our willingness to nurture the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood that for so
long has been characteristic of our people. Working together in that spirit, we can build an
opportunity society in which every American is encouraged to attain his or her fullest
potential.
Ronald Reagan