February 11th is National Inventors’ Day in the United States. It is celebrated on the birthday of one of the best inventors in the history of the United States: Thomas Alva Edison. Edison has over 1,000 U.S. patents issued in his name, as well as many patents in the United Kingdom, France and Germany.
In early 1983, President of the United States Ronald Reagan proclaimed February 11, 1983 as National Inventors’ Day. The words of the Proclamation are just as strong as they were 27 years ago, which read, in part:
Almost two hundred years ago, President George Washington recognized that invention and innovation were fundamental to the welfare and strength of the United States. He successfully urged the First Congress to enact a patent statute as expressly authorized by the U.S. Constitution and wisely advised that “there is nothing which can better deserve your patronage than the promotion of science . . .” In 1790, the first patent statute initiated the transformation of the United States from an importer of technology to a world leader in technological innovation.
Today, just as in George Washington’s day, inventors are the keystone of the technological progress that is so vital to the economic, environmental, and social well-being of this country. Individual ingenuity and perseverance, spurred by the incentives of the patent system, begin the process that results in improved standards of living, increased public and private productivity, creation of new industries, improved public services, and enhanced competitiveness of American products in world markets.
In recognition of the enormous contribution inventors make to the nation and the world, the Congress, pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 140 (Public Law 97 – 198), has designated February 11, 1983, the anniversary of the birth of Thomas Alva Edison, one of America’s most famous and prolific inventors, as National Inventors’ Day. Such recognition is especially appropriate at a time when our country is striving to maintain its global position as a leader in innovation and technology. Key to our future success will be the dedication and creativity of inventors.
On February 11th, please honor inventors of the past and present and encourage the inventors of tomorrow.