President Clinton's Call to Action: Commemorating World AIDS Day 1994

On October 21, 1994, President Bill Clinton issued a memorandum directing federal agencies to organize and plan for the commemoration of World AIDS Day, which was set for December 1, 1994. The president emphasized that AIDS is a challenge not just to individuals but to families as well, and highlighted the importance of family members working together to protect their loved ones from the disease.

In his memorandum, President Clinton urged agency heads to plan significant activities to recognize World AIDS Day, building on the efforts of the previous year. He also requested that each agency designate an individual to coordinate World AIDS Day activities and inform the White House Office of the National AIDS policy coordinator by November 1.

Key Takeaways:

• President Clinton issued a memorandum on October 21, 1994, directing federal agencies to plan for World AIDS Day 1994.
• The president stated that AIDS is a challenge not just to individuals but to families as well.
• The theme of World AIDS Day 1994 was "AIDS and Families: Protect and Care for the Ones We Love."
• Agencies were asked to designate an individual to plan and coordinate World AIDS Day activities.
• The White House Office of National AIDS Policy would sponsor a meeting of coordinators from all agencies to discuss plans for the day.

Statistics:

• December 1, 1994, was designated as World AIDS Day.
• October 21, 1994, was the date of President Clinton's memorandum.
• Agencies were requested to inform the White House Office of National AIDS Policy by November 1 of their designated coordinator.
• This was the second year that World AIDS Day was recognized by the federal government.

Sources:

• Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies Subject: World AIDS Day, 1994. October 21, 1994 Presidential Memorandum.