[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 175 (Friday, September 9, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 55779-55780]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-23258]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 175 / Friday, September 9, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 55779]]

                Proclamation 8707 of September 2, 2011

                
Labor Day, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Every day, hard-working men and women across America 
                prove that, even in difficult times, our country is 
                still home to the most creative, dynamic, and talented 
                workers in the world. Generations of working people 
                have built this country--from our highways and 
                skylines, to the goods and services driving us in the 
                21st century. On Labor Day and throughout the year, we 
                celebrate our Nation's workers, and we commit to 
                supporting their efforts in moving our economy forward.

                The right to organize and collectively bargain is a 
                fundamental American value. Since its beginnings in our 
                country, organized labor has raised our living 
                standards and built our middle class. It is the reason 
                we have a minimum wage, weekends away from work to rest 
                and spend time with family, and basic protections in 
                our workplaces. Many Americans today are given 
                opportunities because their parents and grandparents 
                fought for these basic rights and values. The 
                principles upheld by the honorable laborers of 
                generations past and their unions continue to fuel the 
                growth of our economy and a strong middle class.

                This year has seen a vigorous fight to protect these 
                rights and values, and on this Labor Day, we reaffirm 
                that collective bargaining is a cornerstone of the 
                American dream. From public employees--including 
                teachers, firefighters, police, and others who perform 
                public services--to workers in private industries, 
                these men and women hold the power of our Nation in 
                their hands.

                In the last several years, we have pulled our country 
                back from the brink, through a series of tough economic 
                decisions. While we have come far, great challenges 
                still face us. Many Americans are still struggling, and 
                many are unemployed. My Administration is working 
                tirelessly each day to promote policies that get 
                Americans back to work. We will always strive to keep 
                our fundamental promise that, in America, anyone who 
                works hard and acts responsibly can provide a better 
                future for their children. When we come together, there 
                is no limit to what the American workforce can do.

                 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 5, 2011, as 
                Labor Day. I call upon all public officials and people 
                of the United States to observe this day with 
                appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that 
                acknowledge the tremendous contributions of working 
                Americans and their families.

[[Page 55780]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                second day of September, 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. 2011-23258
Filed 9-8-11; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P