[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 171 (Friday, September 2, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 54919-54920]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-22768]



[[Page 54917]]

Vol. 76

Friday,

No. 171

September 2, 2011

Part IV





The President





-----------------------------------------------------------------------



Proclamation 8700--National Preparedness Month, 2011
 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 171 / Friday, September 2, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

 ___________________________________________________________________

 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 54919]]

                Proclamation 8700 of August 31, 2011

                
National Preparedness Month, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Whenever our Nation has been challenged, the American 
                people have responded with faith, courage, and 
                strength. This year, natural disasters have tested our 
                response ability across all levels of government. Our 
                thoughts and prayers are with those whose lives have 
                been impacted by recent storms, and we will continue to 
                stand with them in their time of need. This September 
                also marks the 10th anniversary of the tragic events of 
                September 11, 2001, which united our country both in 
                our shared grief and in our determination to prevent 
                future generations from experiencing similar 
                devastation. Our Nation has weathered many hardships, 
                but we have always pulled together as one Nation to 
                help our neighbors prepare for, respond to, and recover 
                from these extraordinary challenges.

                In April of this year, a devastating series of 
                tornadoes challenged our resilience and tested our 
                resolve. In the weeks that followed, people from all 
                walks of life throughout the Midwest and the South 
                joined together to help affected towns recover and 
                rebuild. In Joplin, Missouri, pickup trucks became 
                ambulances, doors served as stretchers, and a 
                university transformed itself into a hospital. Local 
                businesses contributed by using trucks to ship 
                donations, or by rushing food to those in need. 
                Disability community leaders worked side-by-side with 
                emergency managers to ensure that survivors with 
                disabilities were fully included in relief and recovery 
                efforts. These stories reveal what we can accomplish 
                through readiness and collaboration, and underscore 
                that in America, no problem is too hard and no 
                challenge is too great.

                Preparedness is a shared responsibility, and my 
                Administration is dedicated to implementing a ``whole 
                community'' approach to disaster response. This 
                requires collaboration at all levels of government, and 
                with America's private and nonprofit sectors. 
                Individuals also play a vital role in securing our 
                country. The National Preparedness Month Coalition 
                gives everyone the chance to join together and share 
                information across the United States. Americans can 
                also support volunteer programs through www.Serve.gov, 
                or find tools to prepare for any emergency by visiting 
                the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Ready 
                Campaign website at www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov.

                In the last few days, we have been tested once again by 
                Hurricane Irene. While affected communities in many 
                States rebuild, we remember that preparedness is 
                essential. Although we cannot always know when and 
                where a disaster will hit, we can ensure we are ready 
                to respond. Together, we can equip our families and 
                communities to be resilient through times of hardship 
                and to respond to adversity in the same way America 
                always has--by picking ourselves up and continuing the 
                task of keeping our country strong and safe.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim September 2011 as 
                National Preparedness Month. I encourage all Americans 
                to recognize

[[Page 54920]]

                the importance of preparedness and observe this month 
                by working together to enhance our national security, 
                resilience, and readiness.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirty-first day of August, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-22768
Filed 9-1-11; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P