Jimmy Carter

“ It is appropriate that we set aside a special period to honor the heritage that unites us, to reaffirm our mutual desire for peace and international harmony, and to dedicate ourselves to shaping a relationship which looks to the future for inspiration. ”

“ As friends and neighbors we have an obligation to help one another, in order to promote our common good and to solve the problems of each nation, and advance our mutual interest in global solutions to problems that confront all of humankind. The organization of American States, the world's oldest regional organization, is one symbol of these shared aspirations.
Since Pan American Day was first proclaimed in 1889, the nations of this hemisphere have undergone dramatic changes internally and in relationship to each other. ”

“ The challenge for all of us in the coming year is to find ways to adapt our relationships to take into account these changes. At the same time, we should rededicate ourselves to the ideals of peace, cooperation, and social justice which continue to unite and inspire our peoples. ”