National Farm Safety and Health Week, 2003

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Part XI

The President

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Proclamation 7708--National Farm Safety and Health Week, 2003

Proclamation 7709--Gold Star Mother's Day, 2003

Executive Order 13317--Volunteers for Prosperity

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7708 of September 25, 2003

National Farm Safety and Health Week, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Almost half of the land in the United States is used
for agricultural production, and our Nation depends on
our hard-working farm and ranch families for food,
fiber, and the good stewardship of our environment. As
we celebrate National Farm Safety and Health Week, we
give thanks for their dedication, sacrifice, and
contributions to our country, and we renew our
commitment to the health and livelihoods of American
farm and ranch families.

America must continue to promote the safety of our
farmers and ranchers. Farming and ranching can be
dangerous work; in 2002, the agriculture industry had
the second-highest rate of deaths due to accidents.
Proper education and training are critical to
protecting the safety of farmers and ranchers. By
working together to encourage careful use of equipment
and facilities, America helps our farm and ranch
families remain healthy and more productive than any
other farmers in the world.

This year's theme for National Farm Safety and Health
Week, ``Secure Your Farming through Safety and
Health,'' also encourages farmers and ranchers to focus
on farm security issues. Farm and ranching communities
play a vital role in protecting America's food
supplies, water resources, and farm chemicals. Their
efforts are important to the safety and security of our
citizens.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim September 21 through
September 27, 2003, as National Farm Safety and Health
Week. I call upon the agencies, organizations, and
businesses that serve America's agricultural workers to
strengthen their commitment to promoting farm safety
and health programs. I also urge all Americans to honor
our agricultural heritage and to recognize our farmers
and ranchers for their remarkable contributions to our
Nation's vitality and prosperity.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-fifth day of September, in the year of our Lord
two thousand three, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.

(Presidential Sig.)B