By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Correctional officers have the difficult and often dangerous
assignment of ensuring the custody, safety and well-being of the over 600,000
inmates in our Nation’s prisons and jails. Their position is essential to the
day-to-day operations of these institutions; without them it would be
impossible to achieve the foremost institutional goals of security and control.
Historically, correctional officers have been viewed as
“guards,” occupying isolated and misunderstood positions in prisons and jails.
In recent years, the duties of these officers have become increasingly complex
and demanding. They are called upon to fill, simultaneously, custodial,
supervisory and counseling roles. The professionalism, dedication and courage
exhibited by these officers throughout the performance of these demanding and
often conflicting roles deserve our utmost respect. The important work of
correctional Officers often does not receive the recognition from the public it
deserves. It is appropriate that we honor the many contributions and
accomplishments of these men and women who are a vital component of the field
of corrections.
In recognition of the contributions of correctional officers to
our Nation, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 132, has designated the
week beginning May 6, 1984, as “National Correctional Officers Week,” and
authorized and requested the President to issue an appropriate proclamation.
Now,
Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do
hereby proclaim the week beginning May 6, 1984, as National Correctional
Officers Week. I call upon officials of State and local governments and the
people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies
and activities.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day
of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eightyfour, 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, 12:50 p.m., May
7, 1984]