[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 239 (Tuesday, December 13, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 77365-77366]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-32054]


 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 239 / Tuesday, December 13, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 77365]]


                Proclamation 8766 of December 8, 2011

                
Bill of Rights Day, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On December 15, 1791, the United States adopted the 
                Bill of Rights, enshrining in our Constitution the 
                protection of our inalienable freedoms, from the right 
                to speak our minds and worship as we please to the 
                guarantee of equal justice under the law. For 220 
                years, these fundamental liberties have shaped our 
                national character and stirred the souls of all who 
                dream of a freer, more just world. As we mark this 
                milestone, we renew our commitment to preserving our 
                universal rights and perfecting our Union.

                Introduced in the First Congress in 1789, the Bill of 
                Rights was born out of compromise. The promise of 
                enumerated rights enabled the ratification of the 
                Constitution without fear that a more centralized 
                government would encroach on American freedoms. In 
                adopting the first ten Amendments, our Founders put 
                forth an ideal that continues to define our Nation--
                that we can have both liberty and security, that we 
                need not sacrifice the rights of man for the rule of 
                law.

                Throughout our country's history, generations have 
                risen to uphold the principles outlined in our Bill of 
                Rights and advance equality for all Americans. The 
                liberties we enjoy today are possible only because of 
                these brave patriots, from the service members who have 
                defended our freedom to the citizens who have braved 
                billy clubs and fire hoses in the hope of extending 
                America's promise across lines of color and creed. On 
                Bill of Rights Day, we celebrate this proud legacy and 
                resolve to pass to our children an America worthy of 
                our Founders' vision.

                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 December 15, 2011, as 
                Bill of Rights Day. I call upon the people of the 
                United States to mark this observance with appropriate 
                ceremonies and activities.

[[Page 77366]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                eighth day of December, 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. 2011-32054
Filed 12-12-11; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P