[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
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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 183 / Wednesday, September 21, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 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]
Billing code 3195-W1-P