Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A Proclamation
His Excellency Governor Deval L. Patrick
Whereas Every blind citizen of the Commonwealth has the right to lead a full and independent life, which includes productive employment in a competitive job market; and
Whereas By allowing every blind person to move freely and safely from place to place, the white cane enhances his or her potential for full participation as a member of society; and
Whereas The law requires that motorists exercise appropriate caution when approaching an individual who is carrying a white cane; and
Whereas Through public awareness, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts encourage all citizens to recognize the white cane as an instrument of safety and self-help for blind pedestrians on our streets,
Now, Therefore, I, Deval L. Patrick, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim October 15th 2011 to be,
White Cane Safety Day
And urge all the citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.
Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this fourth day of October, in the year two thousand and eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
By His Excellency
Deval L. Patrick
Governor of the Commonwealth
William Francis Galvin
Secretary of the Commonwealth
God Save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts