National Immigrants Day: Ronald Reagan “We are the sons and daughters of every land across the face of the Earth”
Nearly four decades ago President Ronald Reagan proclaimed 28 October National Immigrants Day to recognize their contribution to the United States.
President Ronald Reagan recognized the invaluable contribution that immigrants have made to the success of the United States by proclaiming 28 October National Immigrants Day in 1987. The 40th US President made his declaration on the 101st anniversary of the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty.
The “Mother of Exiles,” as Emma Lazarus called the beloved statue, gives a world-wide welcome from her glowing beacon hand she said. “That welcome is America’s welcome, which has ever beckoned millions upon millions of courageous souls to this land of freedom, justice, and opportunity,” said The Gipper.
Recognizing the US’ unique heritage on National Immigrants Day
Reagan created National Immigrants Day to help remind Americans of the achievements and contributions of immigrants and how they have helped shape this great nation. “Immigrants have always brought great gifts to their new home on these shores – the gifts of hardiness and heart, of intellect and hope,” he said in his proclamation.
Despite being a land of immigrants, the United States has managed to assimilate peoples from every corner of the planet and meld them into one people that share a common national identity. “We are the sons and daughters of every land across the face of the Earth, yet we are an indivisible Nation. We are one people, and we are one in that which drew our forebears here – the love of ‘freedom’s holy Light,’” stated Reagan.
While not a federal holiday, it was authorized by Congress with Senate Joint Resolution 86. The Gipper called on Americans to use the day to celebrate the nation’s unique heritage and honor the benefits that immigrants have bestowed upon the United States through programs, ceremonies and activities.
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