Speech #760185343

The preamble. as amended. was agreed to. The title was amended so as to read: "Joint resolution authorizing the President of the United States of America to proclaim I Am An American Day for the recognition. observance. and commemoration of American citizenship." The joint resolution. as passed. is as follows: Whereas some 2.000.000 young men and women in the United States each year reach the age of 21 years. and Whereas it is desirable that the sovereign citizens of our Nation be prepared for the responsibilities and impressed with the significance of their status in our selfgoverning Republic: Therefore be it Resolved. etc.. That the third Sunday In May each year be. and hereby is. set aside as I Am An American Day and that the President of the United States Is hereby authorized and requested to issue annually a proclamation setting aside that day as a public occasion for the recognition of all who. by coming of age or naturalization. have attained the status of citizenship. and the day shall be designated as "I Am An American Day." That the civil and educational authorities of States. countles. cities. and towns be. and they are hereby. urged to make plans for the proper observance of this day and for the full instruction of future citizens in their responsibilities and opportunities as citizens of the United States and of the States and localities in which they reside. Nothing herein shall be construed as changing. or attempting to change. the time or mode of any of the many altogether commendable observances of similar nature now being. held from time to time. or periodically. but. to the contrary. such practices are hereby praised and encouraged. SEC. 2. Either at the time of the rendition of the decree of naturalization or at such other time as the judge may fix. the judge or someone designated by him shall address the newly naturalized citizens upon the form and genius of our Government and the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship. it being the intent and purpose of this section to enlist the aid of the judiciary. in cooperation with civil and educational authorities. and patriotic organizations in a continuous effort to dignify and emphasize the significance of citizenship.