Ronald Reagan

“ Americans enjoy these freedoms and a free, responsive, and reasonable interaction between members of the public and those in government offices. We have always understood that our freedom of information is compatible with protection of national security and rights of privacy. As we celebrate free access to information as part of our heritage, let us honor the memory of President Madison for the wisdom and the devotion to the liberty of the American people that were his credo and his way of life. ”

“ We choose this day to celebrate our freedom of access to information about government because Madison, throughout his life, never ceased to mention the freedoms that help us learn everything we need to know about matters relating to our liberties and all public concerns. ”

“ Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 16, 1987, as Freedom of Information Day, and I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs and activities. ”