Statement on the Death of Roy Wilkins

September 8, 1981

Roy Wilkins worked for equality, spoke for freedom, and marched for justice. His quiet and unassuming manner masked his tremendous passion for civil and human rights.

He once said, "The heritage of a man of peace will endure and shine into the darkness of this world." Although Roy's death darkens our day, the accomplishments of his life will continue to endure and shine forth.

I convey my deepest sympathy to his family, to the NAACP [National Association for the Advancement of Colored People] that he helped to build, and to all people who shared his devotion to the dignity of human life.

Proclamation 4856 -- Death of Roy Wilkins

September 8, 1981

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

To the People of the United States:

With sadness, I announce the death of Roy Wilkins who died today in New York City.

Roy Wilkins worked for equality, spoke for freedom, and marched for justice. His quiet and unassuming manner masked his tremendous passion for civil and human rights.

He once said, "The heritage of a man of peace will endure and shine into the darkness of this world." Although Roy Wilkins' death darkens our day, the accomplishments of his life will continue to endure and shine forth.

As a mark of respect for the memory of Roy Wilkins, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until his interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixth.

Ronald Reagan

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:15 a.m., September 9, 1981]

Note: The text of the proclamation was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on September 9.

Date
08/09/1981