Proclamation 3142—United Nations Day, 1956

Whereas the United States of America joined in founding the United Nations for the purpose of maintaining international peace and security; and

Whereas the United States has consistently supported the United Nations, the Charter of which is the outgrowth of a common desire among peoples of all nations for permanent peace; and

Whereas in the ten years of its existence the United Nations has developed into a living, functioning organization capable of influencing world opinion on the side of peace, freedom, and justice; and

Whereas recent additions to the membership of the United Nations have increased its vitality and its capability of achieving the aims and ideals of its Charter and fulfilling man's ancient longing for a better and a strife-free world; and

Whereas the General Assembly of the United Nations has resolved that October 24, the anniversary of the coming into force of the United Nations Charter, should be dedicated each year to making known the purposes, principles, and accomplishments of the United Nations:

Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America, do hereby urge the citizens of this Nation to observe Wednesday, October 24, 1956, as United Nations Day by means of community programs that will demonstrate their faith in, and support of, the United Nations and will contribute to a better understanding of its aims, problems, and accomplishments.

I call also upon the officials of the Federal, State, and local Governments, the United States Committee for the United Nations, representatives of civic, educational, and religious organizations, and agencies of the press, radio, television, and motion pictures, as well as all citizens, to cooperate in appropriate observance of United Nations Day throughout our country.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed.

DONE at the City of Washington this 21st day of June in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and fifty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and eightieth.

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

By the President:

HERBERT HOOVER, Jr.,

Acting Secretary of State