[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 183 (Wednesday, September 21, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 58707-58708]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-24438]
[[Page 58705]]
Vol. 76
Wednesday,
No. 183
September 21, 2011
Part V
The President
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Proclamation 8714--Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution
Week, 2011
Proclamation 8715--National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
Week, 2011
Proclamation 8716--National Farm Safety and Health Week, 2011
Proclamation 8717--National Historically Black Colleges and
Universities Week, 2011
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 183 / Wednesday, September 21, 2011 /
Presidential Documents
___________________________________________________________________
Title 3--
The President
[[Page 58707]]
Proclamation 8714 of September 16, 2011
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day,
Constitution Week, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
In the summer of 1787, delegates from the States
gathered in Philadelphia to build a new framework for
our young republic. Our Constitution's Framers
represented diverse backgrounds, and on key issues,
they were divided. Yet despite their differences, they
courageously joined together in common purpose to
create ``a more perfect Union.'' After 4 months of
fierce debate and hard-fought compromise, the delegates
signed the Constitution of the United States.
For more than two centuries, the Constitution has
presided as the supreme law of the land, keeping our
leaders true to America's highest ideals and
guaranteeing the fundamental rights that make our
country a beacon of hope to all peoples seeking freedom
and justice. Together with the Bill of Rights, our
Constitution is the backbone of our government and the
basis of our liberties. Even while retaining its
structure, our founding document has grown with our
Nation's conscience, amended over the years to extend
America's promise to citizens of every race, gender,
and creed.
Americans are defined not by bloodlines or allegiance
to any one leader or faith, but by our shared ideals of
liberty, equality, and justice under the law. We are a
Nation of immigrants, built and sustained by people who
have brought their talents, drive, and entrepreneurial
spirit to our shores. Generations of newcomers have
journeyed to this land because they believed in what
our country stands for.
Every year, thousands of candidates for citizenship
commemorate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day by
becoming American citizens. These men and women have
respected our laws and learned our history, and some
have served in our military. Today, we invite them to
join us in writing the next great chapter of the
American story.
In signing the Constitution, the Framers provided a
model of American leadership for generations to come.
Through controversy and division, they built a lasting
structure of government that began with the words, ``We
the People.'' This week, as we celebrate our Founders'
timeless vision, we resolve to stay true to their
spirit of patriotism and unity.
In remembrance of the signing of the Constitution and
in recognition of the Americans who strive to uphold
the duties and responsibilities of citizenship, the
Congress, by joint resolution of February 29, 1952 (36
U.S.C. 106), designated September 17 as ``Constitution
Day and Citizenship Day,'' and by joint resolution of
August 2, 1956 (36 U.S.C. 108), requested that the
President proclaim the week beginning September 17 and
ending September 23 of each year as ``Constitution
Week.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim September
17, 2011, as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and
September 17 through September 23, 2011, as
Constitution Week. I encourage Federal, State, and
local officials, as well as leaders of civic, social,
and educational organizations, to conduct ceremonies
and programs that bring together community members to
reflect
[[Page 58708]]
on the importance of active citizenship, recognize the
enduring strength of our Constitution, and reaffirm our
commitment to the rights and obligations of citizenship
in this great Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
sixteenth 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. 2011-24438
Filed 9-20-11; 11:15 am]
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