White Cane Safety Day, 2007

Proclamation 8191 of October 12, 2007

White Cane Safety Day, 2007

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our country upholds the value of every person, and all
Americans deserve an opportunity to realize the
American dream. Many citizens who are blind or visually
impaired use white canes to achieve greater
independence and increase mobility and productivity. On
White Cane Safety Day, we celebrate the symbolism of
the white cane, and we underscore our dedication to
ensuring more individuals have the ability to lead
active lives and achieve their personal and
professional goals.

My Administration is committed to helping Americans
with disabilities live and work with greater freedom.
Through the New Freedom Initiative, we are building on
the progress of the Americans with Disabilities Act and
helping our citizens who are blind or visually impaired
gain greater access to the workplace, school, and
community life. By working to tear down barriers, we
are creating a society where all people are encouraged
to reach their full potential and where the promise of
our great Nation is accessible for everyone.

The Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 88-628)
approved on October 6, 1964, as amended, has designated
October 15 of each year as ``White Cane Safety Day.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim October
15, 2007, as White Cane Safety Day. I call upon public
officials, business leaders, educators, and all the
people of the United States to observe this day with
appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twelfth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.