Our musculoskeletal structure is a complex system of tissue and bone that is regularly subjected to trauma, metabolic and genetic processes, and the gradual wear and tear of an active life. When these bones and tissues become damaged or diseased, they can create chronic conditions that may seriously impede and sometimes permanently affect one's health and well-being. In the United States, musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of physical disability. Conditions such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, spinal disorders, and fractures, also affect hundreds of millions of people around the world. And many children suffer from crippling bone and joint diseases and deformities, impeding normal development and preventing them from experiencing a full and healthy life. The incidence of musculoskeletal conditions will increase as the average age of our population increases. And our culture's increasing emphasis on physical activity, while important to society's overall wellbeing, will also increase the stress factors on bones and joints. Ensuing disorders, if left untreated, could result in significant pain and suffering that would affect employment, well-being, and healthcare costs. National Bone and Joint Decade, 2002-2011, envisions a series of international initiatives among physicians, health professionals, patients, and communities, working together to raise awareness about musculoskeletal disorders and promoting research and development into therapies, preventative measures, and cures for these disorders. Advances in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research of musculoskeletal conditions will greatly enhance the quality of life of our aging population. The National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, and other Federal agencies support many bone and joint studies. Industry and private professional and voluntary agencies support other initiatives. This work involves scientists examining the possible genetic causes of bone and joint diseases and studying how hormones, growth factors, and drugs regulate the skeleton. Other researchers are studying bone density, quality, and metabolism, and other ways to increase the longevity of joint replacements for those whose daily activities have become painful, difficult, or even impossible. These research efforts can help relieve pain and suffering and give countless children and adults the opportunity for a better life. Thanks to the hard work of these dedicated researchers, we have made great progress in understanding and treating musculoskeletal disorders. I commend their efforts and encourage them to pursue diligently further research that will help those suffering from these disorders. And I hope that all Americans will learn more about musculoskeletal problems, their long- and short-term effects, and the therapies and treatments available to help them. 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 the years 2002-2011, as National Bone and Joint Decade. I call upon the people of the United States to observe the decade with appropriate programs and activities; and I call upon the medical community to pursue research in this important area. 99-194 O-03-26: QL 3 Part 4 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7534 of March 21, 2002 Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2002 By the President of the United States of America America's future depends in part on ensuring that every child in America receives a quality education. And by teaching our children the importance of serving those in need, we will help fulfill an important part of their education, showing them the rewards that come from compassionate outreach. Education has always played a vital role in the success of our Nation. It has provided hope through the principle that any citizen can realize the American dream, regardless of background, ethnicity, or faith. By challenging young people to set high goals and to work hard to achieve them, we prepare our youth to carry on the success of the American story and to become leaders of this great Nation. A core foundation of knowledge and values is essential for students to excel and contribute to the well-being of our communities, our country, and the world. Parents are a child's first and most important teachers, and they provide the cornerstone of a child's early education. Quality teachers, however, also play an important role in a child's personal and intellectual development. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, which I signed into law in January 2002, requires that, by the end of the 200506 school year, there must be a "highly qualified" teacher in every classroom. Through this new law, States and school districts will have multiple tools to help them meet the new teacher quality requirements. Key elements of this effort include providing State grants to recruit and train teachers, and recruiting high-quality individuals to become teachers, offering expanded student loan forgiveness for teachers. And we must encourage Americans to volunteer their time to serve as mentors to our young people. Great teachers are also found outside the classroom, making a positive impact on children and on local families. For example, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, demonstrated the power of teaching others to pursue both intellectual and moral excellence. For this purpose, he established education and outreach centers that offered social services and humanitarian aid. Today, more than 1,400 of these centers operate in 35 countries, meeting the spiritual and material needs of local communities. These beacons of hope communicate the Rebbe's ideal of living a meaningful life through personal responsibility and dedication to those in need. On the 100th anniversary of the Rebbe's birth, I encourage Americans to help teach our young people. In classrooms, homes, and places of worship, we can all make a lasting impact on individual children and thus invest in our country as a whole. 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 March 24, 2002, as Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2002. I call on all Americans to help our young people better understand the importance of character and develop a true love of learning. By doing so, we invest in the future of our country. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7535 of March 25, 2002 Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2002 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Ancient Greece was the birthplace of the democratic principles and thought that fundamentally shaped the growth of democracy in world history. Societies aspiring toward more democratic forms of government have found inspiration in the Greek tradition of representative government and free political discourse. As modern Greece celebrates the anniversary of its independence, won 181 years ago, Greeks can be proud that its vibrant democracy continues and that it is based upon the beliefs in freedom and self-rule first forged in classical Greece over 2500 years ago. These ideals have been embraced by peoples of the world who aspire towards democracy, including the Founders of the United States; and they were tested by the attacks of September 11, 2001. The terrorists sought to destroy a political and economic system that promotes individual freedoms and tolerance, defends national liberty, and supports the full participation of its citizens in the democratic process. The terrorists failed; but rather than destroying us, their attacks strengthen our resolve to stand up to this evil. Along with the members of our worldwide coalition, including Greece, we are committed to defeating terrorism and protecting liberty. The friendship between the United States and Greece continues to thrive and is based upon our common cultural bonds and our shared national values. Today, more than 3 million Americans proudly claim Greek heritage, representing a continuing link between our countries. From the arts and education to industry and science, Greek Americans have made significant contributions to the cultural, civic, and economic vitality of our land. As we celebrate Greek independence, we remember the history of those who sacrificed their lives to preserve freedom and democracy. We value our friendship and continuing partnership with the government and people of Greece, and we commit to work together to provide greater opportunity and more freedoms for the citizens of the world. And we join the world in anticipating the momentous 2004 Summer Olympic Games, which will be held in Athens, the birthplace of Olympic competition. 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 March 25, 2002, as “Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy." I encourage all Americans to take special note of Greece's rich history of democracy, the strong bonds of friendship and culture between our countries, and the important role that Greek Americans play in our Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7536 of April 1, 2002 Cancer Control Month, 2002 By the President of the United States of America Our Nation is making important progress in the fight against cancer. Today, 8.9 million Americans have survived this disease, and new studies indicate that both cancer incidence and death rates have declined in recent years. Research and new technology have helped improve our ability to prevent, detect, and treat cancer. We understand better and are communicating more effectively the preventative power of regular exercise, a balanced diet, not smoking, and greater health awareness. Despite this progress, cancer remains a major public health problem that affects millions of lives. Each day, more than 1,500 Americans die from cancer and 3,500 are diagnosed with some form of the disease. But we are closing in on major breakthroughs that will lead to new cancer therapies and lifesaving cures. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is leading the way as it explores hundreds of methods to combat and prevent cancer. Recognizing that early detection of cancer often makes a difference between life and death, the NCI is utilizing revolutionary genetic and biochemical processes to develop tests that more effectively detect cancer at its earliest stage. Scientists are discovering that the use of ultraviolet light fluorescence to examine the lungs is more likely to identify precancerous lesions than current techniques. Other NCI researchers are investigating drugs that may stop cancerous growths by preventing new blood vessels from reaching the tissues. And a new class of class of drugs, known as bisphosphonates, shows great promise against cancer that has spread to the bone. The NCI's important work, in coordination with other public and private health agencies, is helping to reduce the incidence of cancer and is assisting cancer survivors to lead richer, fuller, and longer lives. The National Comprehensive Cancer Control Initiative, sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a valuable resource to support and coordinate cancer control efforts at the Federal, State, and local levels. This project helps ensure that cancer prevention, detection, and treatment programs across the country work effectively with each other by reducing duplicated efforts and missed opportunities. My Administration is strongly committed to the fight against cancer and will continue to support Federal cancer control programs. As we observe Cancer Control Month, I applaud the scientists, healthcare providers, and public health professionals who work tirelessly to find cures for this disease and to aid and assist the patients who suffer from it. I call on all our citizens to learn more about cancer by contacting the NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER or visiting its Internet address at http://www.cancer.gov. I also encourage all Americans to protect their health by promoting cancer awareness in their families and communities. Individuals should pursue a lifestyle that includes regular exercise, sufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables, avoidance of tobacco products, and regular ageappropriate cancer screenings. By working together to raise awareness about the risks of cancer and the importance of medical research, we can improve the quality of life for millions of Americans and ultimately defeat this terrible disease. In 1938, the Congress of the United States passed a joint resolution (52 Stat. 148; 36 U.S.C. 103) as amended, requesting the President to issue an annual proclamation declaring April as "Cancer Control Month." 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 April 2002 as Cancer Control Month. I call on concerned citizens, government agencies, private industry, nonprofit organizations, and other interested groups to reaffirm our Nation's commitment to preventing and curing cancer. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth. GEORGE W. BUSH |