Collapse to view only § 113. Law Day, U.S.A.

§ 101. American Heart Month
The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation—
(1) designating February as American Heart Month;
(2) inviting the chief executive officers of the States, territories, and possessions of the United States to issue proclamations designating February as American Heart Month; and
(3) urging the people of the United States to recognize the nationwide problem of heart and blood vessel diseases and to support all essential programs required to solve the problem.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1254.)
§ 102. Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
(a)Designation.—May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.
(b)Proclamations.—The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United States, and the chief executive officers of each State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau are requested to issue each year proclamations calling on the people of their respective jurisdictions, to observe Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1254.)
§ 103. Cancer Control Month
(a)General.—The President is requested—
(1) to issue each year a proclamation designating April as Cancer Control Month; and
(2) to invite each year the chief executive officers of the States, territories, and possessions of the United States to issue proclamations designating April as Cancer Control Month.
(b)Contents of Proclamations.—As part of those proclamations, the chief executive officers and President are requested to invite the medical profession, the press, and all agencies and individuals interested in a national program for the control of cancer by education and other cooperative means to unite during Cancer Control Month in a public dedication to the program and in a concerted effort to make the people of the United States aware of the need for the program.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1255.)
§ 104. Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day
(a)Designation.—The first Saturday after Labor Day is Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day.
(b)Proclamation.—The President shall issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. However, activities may be undertaken in individual States on a day other than the first Saturday after Labor Day if a manager of Federal land decides that an alternative date is more appropriate because of climatological or other factors.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1255.)
§ 105. Child Health Day
The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation—
(1) designating the first Monday in October as Child Health Day; and
(2) inviting all agencies and organizations interested in child welfare to unite on Child Health Day in observing exercises that will make the people of the United States aware of the fundamental necessity of a year-round program to protect and develop the health of the children of the United States.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1255.)
§ 106. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
(a)Designation.—September 17 is designated as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
(b)Purpose.—Constitution Day and Citizenship Day commemorate the formation and signing on September 17, 1787, of the Constitution and recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.
(c)Proclamation.—The President may issue each year a proclamation calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and inviting the people of the United States to observe Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies.
(d)State and Local Observances.—The civil and educational authorities of States, counties, cities, and towns are urged to make plans for the proper observance of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and for the complete instruction of citizens in their responsibilities and opportunities as citizens of the United States and of the State and locality in which they reside.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1255; Pub. L. 108–447, div. J, title I, § 111(c)(1), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3344.)
§ 107. Columbus Day
The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation—
(1) designating the second Monday in October as Columbus Day;
(2) calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Columbus Day; and
(3) inviting the people of the United States to observe Columbus Day, in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies that express the public sentiment befitting the anniversary of the discovery of America.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1256.)
§ 108. Constitution Week
The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation—
(1) designating September 17 through September 23 as Constitution Week; and
(2) inviting the people of the United States to observe Constitution Week, in schools, churches, and other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1256.)
§ 109. Father’s Day
(a)Designation.—The third Sunday in June is Father’s Day.
(b)Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue a proclamation—
(1) calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Father’s Day;
(2) inviting State and local governments and the people of the United States to observe Father’s Day with appropriate ceremonies; and
(3) urging the people of the United States to offer public and private expressions of Father’s Day to the abiding love and gratitude they have for their fathers.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1256.)
§ 110. Flag Day
(a)Designation.—June 14 is Flag Day.
(b)Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation—
(1) calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Flag Day; and
(2) urging the people of the United States to observe Flag Day as the anniversary of the adoption on June 14, 1777, by the Continental Congress of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1256.)
§ 111. Gold Star Mother’s Day
(a)Designation.—The last Sunday in September is Gold Star Mother’s Day.
(b)Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue a proclamation calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings, and the people of the United States to display the flag and hold appropriate meetings at homes, churches, or other suitable places, on Gold Star Mother’s Day as a public expression of the love, sorrow, and reverence of the people for Gold Star Mothers.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1256.)
§ 112. Honor America Days
(a)Designation.—The 21 days from Flag Day through Independence Day is a period to honor America.
(b)Congressional Declaration.—Congress declares that there be public gatherings and activities during that period at which the people of the United States can celebrate and honor their country in an appropriate way.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1257.)
§ 113. Law Day, U.S.A.
(a)Designation.—May 1 is Law Day, U.S.A.
(b)Purpose.—Law Day, U.S.A., is a special day of celebration by the people of the United States—
(1) in appreciation of their liberties and the reaffirmation of their loyalty to the United States and of their rededication to the ideals of equality and justice under law in their relations with each other and with other countries; and
(2) for the cultivation of the respect for law that is so vital to the democratic way of life.
(c)Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue a proclamation—
(1) calling on all public officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Law Day, U.S.A.; and
(2) inviting the people of the United States to observe Law Day, U.S.A., with appropriate ceremonies and in other appropriate ways, through public entities and private organizations and in schools and other suitable places.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1257.)
§ 114. Leif Erikson Day

The President may issue each year a proclamation designating October 9 as Leif Erikson Day.

(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1257.)
§ 115. Loyalty Day
(a)Designation.—May 1 is Loyalty Day.
(b)Purpose.—Loyalty Day is a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom.
(c)Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue a proclamation—
(1) calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Loyalty Day; and
(2) inviting the people of the United States to observe Loyalty Day with appropriate ceremonies in schools and other suitable places.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1257.)
§ 116. Memorial Day
(a)Designation.—The last Monday in May is Memorial Day.
(b)Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation—
(1) calling on the people of the United States to observe Memorial Day by praying, according to their individual religious faith, for permanent peace;
(2) designating a period of time on Memorial Day during which the people may unite in prayer for a permanent peace;
(3) calling on the people of the United States to unite in prayer at that time; and
(4) calling on the media to join in observing Memorial Day and the period of prayer.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1257.)
§ 117. Mother’s Day
(a)Designation.—The second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day.
(b)Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue a proclamation calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings, and on the people of the United States to display the flag at their homes or other suitable places, on Mother’s Day as a public expression of love and reverence for the mothers of the United States.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1258.)
§ 118. National Aviation Day
The President may issue each year a proclamation—
(1) designating August 19 as National Aviation Day;
(2) calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on National Aviation Day; and
(3) inviting the people of the United States to observe National Aviation Day with appropriate exercises to further stimulate interest in aviation in the United States.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1258.)
§ 119. National Day of Prayer

The President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.

(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1258.)
§ 120. National Defense Transportation Day
The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation—
(1) designating the third Friday in May as National Defense Transportation Day; and
(2) urging the people of the United States, including labor, management, users, and investors, in all communities served by the various forms of transportation to observe National Defense Transportation Day by appropriate ceremonies that will give complete recognition to the importance to each community and its people of the transportation system of the United States and the maintenance of the facilities of the system in the most modern state of adequacy to serve the needs of the United States in times of peace and in national defense.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1258.)
§ 121. National Disability Employment Awareness Month
(a)Designation.—October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
(b)Ceremonies.—Appropriate ceremonies shall be held throughout the United States during National Disability Employment Awareness Month to enlist public support for, and interest in, the employment of workers with disabilities who are otherwise qualified. Governors, mayors, heads of other governmental entities, and interested organizations and individuals are invited to participate in the ceremonies.
(c)Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue each year a suitable proclamation.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1258.)
§ 122. National Flag Week
The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation—
(1) designating the week in which June 14 falls as National Flag Week; and
(2) calling on citizens to display the flag of the United States during National Flag Week.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1259.)
§ 123. National Forest Products Week
(a)Designation.—The week beginning on the third Sunday in October is National Forest Products Week.
(b)Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe National Forest Products Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1259.)
§ 124. National Freedom Day

The President may issue each year a proclamation designating February 1 as National Freedom Day to commemorate the signing by Abraham Lincoln on February 1, 1865, of the joint resolution adopted by the Senate and the House of Representatives that proposed the 13th amendment to the Constitution.

(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1259.)
§ 125. National Grandparents Day
The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation—
(1) designating the first Sunday in September after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day; and
(2) calling on the people of the United States and interested groups and organizations to observe National Grandparents Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1259.)
§ 126. National Hispanic Heritage Month
The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation—
(1) designating September 15 through October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month; and
(2) calling on the people of the United States, especially the educational community, to observe National Hispanic Heritage Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1259.)
§ 127. National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
(a)Designation.—July 27 of each year until 2003 is National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.
(b)Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on—
(1) the people of the United States to observe National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and
(2) all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States Government, and interested organizations, groups, and individuals, to fly the flag of the United States at halfstaff on July 27 of each year until 2003 in honor of the individuals who died as a result of their service in Korea.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1259.)
§ 128. National Maritime Day
(a)Designation.—May 22 is National Maritime Day.
(b)Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on—
(1) the people of the United States to observe National Maritime Day by displaying the flag of the United States at their homes or other suitable places; and
(2) United States Government officials to display the flag on all Government buildings on National Maritime Day.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1260.)
§ 129. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
(a)Designation.—December 7 is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
(b)Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on—
(1) the people of the United States to observe National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and
(2) all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States Government, and interested organizations, groups, and individuals, to fly the flag of the United States at halfstaff each December 7 in honor of the individuals who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1260.)
§ 130. National Poison Prevention Week

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation designating the third week in March as National Poison Prevention Week to aid in encouraging the people of the United States to learn of the dangers of accidental poisoning and to take preventive measures that are warranted by the seriousness of the danger.

(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1260.)
§ 131. National Safe Boating Week

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation designating the 7-day period ending on the last Friday before Memorial Day as National Safe Boating Week.

(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1260.)
§ 132. National School Lunch Week
(a)Designation.—The week beginning on the second Sunday in October is National School Lunch Week.
(b)Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe National School Lunch Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1260.)
§ 133. National Transportation Week
The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation—
(1) designating the week that includes the third Friday of May as National Transportation Week; and
(2) inviting the people of the United States to observe National Transportation Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities as a tribute to the men and women who, night and day, move goods and individuals throughout the United States.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1260.)
§ 134. Pan American Aviation Day
The President may issue each year a proclamation—
(1) designating December 17 as Pan American Aviation Day; and
(2) calling on all officials of the United States Government, the chief executive offices of the States, territories, and possessions of the United States, and all citizens to participate in the observance of Pan American Aviation Day to further, and stimulate interest in, aviation in the American countries as an important stimulus to the further development of more rapid communications and a cultural development between the countries of the Western Hemisphere.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1261.)
§ 135. Parents’ Day
(a)Designation.—The fourth Sunday in July is Parents’ Day.
(b)Recognition.—All private citizens, organizations, and Federal, State, and local governmental and legislative entities are encouraged to recognize Parents’ Day through proclamations, activities, and educational efforts in furtherance of recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in bringing up their children.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1261.)
§ 136. Peace Officers Memorial Day
The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation—
(1) designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of Federal, State, and local officers killed or disabled in the line of duty;
(2) directing United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States at halfstaff on all Government buildings on Peace Officers Memorial Day, as provided by section 7(m) of title 4, United States Code; and
(3) inviting State and local governments and the people of the United States to observe Peace Officers Memorial Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including the display of the flag at halfstaff.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1261.)
§ 137. Police Week
The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation—
(1) designating the week in which May 15 occurs as Police Week in recognition of the service given by men and women who stand guard to protect the people of the United States through law enforcement; and
(2) inviting State and local governments and the people of the United States to observe Police Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including the display of the flag at halfstaff.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1261.)
§ 138. Save Your Vision Week
The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation—
(1) designating the first week in March as Save Your Vision Week;
(2) inviting the governors and mayors of State and local governments to issue proclamations designating the first week in March as Save Your Vision Week;
(3) inviting the communications media, health care professions, and other agencies and individuals concerned with programs for the improvement of vision to unite during Save Your Vision Week in public activities to convince the people of the United States of the importance of vision to their welfare and the welfare of the United States; and
(4) urging the media, health care professions, and other agencies and individuals to support programs to improve and protect the vision of the people of the United States.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1261.)
§ 139. Steelmark Month
(a)Designation.—May is Steelmark Month.
(b)Purpose.—Steelmark Month recognizes the tremendous contribution made by the steel industry in the United States to national security and defense.
(c)Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe Steelmark Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1262.)
§ 140. Stephen Foster Memorial Day
The President may issue each year a proclamation—
(1) designating January 13 as Stephen Foster Memorial Day; and
(2) calling on the people of the United States to observe Stephen Foster Memorial Day with appropriate ceremonies, pilgrimages to his shrines, and musical programs featuring his compositions.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1262.)
§ 141. Thomas Jefferson’s birthday
The President shall issue each year a proclamation—
(1) calling on officials of the United States Government to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on April 13; and
(2) inviting the people of the United States to observe April 13 in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies in commemoration of Thomas Jefferson’s birthday.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1262.)
§ 142. White Cane Safety Day
The President may issue each year a proclamation—
(1) designating October 15 as White Cane Safety Day; and
(2) calling on the people of the United States to observe White Cane Safety Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1262.)
§ 143. Wright Brothers Day
(a)Designation.—December 17 is Wright Brothers Day.
(b)Purpose.—Wright Brothers Day commemorates the first successful flights in a heavier than air, mechanically propelled airplane, that were made by Orville and Wilbur Wright on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
(c)Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation inviting the people of the United States to observe Wright Brothers Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1262.)
§ 144. Patriot Day
(a)Designation.—September 11 is Patriot Day.
(b)Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on—
(1) State and local governments and the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate programs and activities;
(2) all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States and interested organizations and individuals to display the flag of the United States at halfstaff on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001; and
(3) the people of the United States to observe a moment of silence on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001.
(Added Pub. L. 107–89, § 1, Dec. 18, 2001, 115 Stat. 876.)
§ 145. Veterans Day
The President shall issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe two minutes of silence on Veterans Day in honor of the service and sacrifice of veterans throughout the history of the Nation, beginning at—
(1) 3:11 p.m. Atlantic standard time;
(2) 2:11 p.m. eastern standard time;
(3) 1:11 p.m. central standard time;
(4) 12:11 p.m. mountain standard time;
(5) 11:11 a.m. Pacific standard time;
(6) 10:11 a.m. Alaska standard time; and
(7) 9:11 a.m. Hawaii-Aleutian standard time.
(Added Pub. L. 114–240, § 2(a), Oct. 7, 2016, 130 Stat. 974.)
§ 146. National Atomic Veterans Day
The President shall issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to—
(1) observe Atomic Veterans Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and
(2) remember and honor the atomic veterans of the United States whose brave service and sacrifice played an important role in the defense of the Nation.
(Added Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title X, § 1084(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1924.)
§ 147. Choose Respect Day
(a)Designation.—October 1 is Choose Respect Day.
(b)Recognition.—All private citizens, organizations, and Federal, State, and local governmental and legislative entities are encouraged to recognize Choose Respect Day through proclamations, activities, and educational efforts in furtherance of changing the culture around the tolerance of violence against women.
(Added Pub. L. 117–103, div. W, title XIII, § 1310(b)(1), Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 931, § 146; renumbered § 147, Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVIII, § 1804(a)(1)(A)(i), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 686.)
§ 148. U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day
(a)Designation.—March 9 is U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day.
(b)Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
(Added Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVIII, § 1804(a)(1)(A)(ii), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 686.)