Bill Clinton

“ We must be sure that these Americans receive the education and training they need to compete in a high-wage, high-skill's economic climate.
Literacy is not a luxury. It is a right and a responsibility. It is hard for most of us to imagine functioning in our society without the ability to complete a job application or balance a checkbook. It is a disadvantage that is intolerable in a Nation dedicated to the principles of freedom and equality. ”

“ We enjoy the highest standard of living of any major nation, and we lead the world in many other aspects. For instance, many of the greatest educational institutions in the world are American. However, despite this success—or maybe because of it—Americans take many things for granted. Our relative wealth has often led us to neglect the basic strengths on which this Nation was founded and has prospered. One of these strengths is an education level for all Americans adequate to support a productive work force, strong family structures, and a responsible citizenry. ”

“ Literacy is fundamental for all facets of life, yet there are approximately 27 million adults who lack the most fundamental skills necessary to survive and succeed in our society. It is my goal as President of the United States to give all Americans the opportunity to learn to read, write, and develop basic skills. National Literacy Day provides us a time to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that all Americans possess the basic reading and math skills on which all further learning must be built. ”