Ronald Reagan

“ In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 3rd day of Jan., in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighth. ”

“ The Territory of Alaska was admitted to the Union on January 3, 1959, as the fortyninth State. In the twenty-five years since then, the sturdy inhabitants of our largest State have continued with distinction the work of developing this vast storehouse of abundant resources, while preserving its special environment. As a result of their efforts, Alaska now produces one-eighth of the Nation's gold, one-fifth of its petroleum, and two-fifths of its harvested fish. Ten of the sixteen strategic minerals vital to our Nation's security are produced in Alaska. ”

“ The people of Alaska constitute a special resource, one which has made possible the wise use of all the other abundant resources of this important State. Native Alaskans and immigrants from every State, as well as foreign countries, have worked together to build the cities, pipelines, rail, water, air, and ground transportation facilities which are the basis of Alaska's prosperity. Their hard work and dedication are an example to the rest of our people as we work to maintain America's greatness. ”