[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 6, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 13481-13482]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-5611]



[[Page 13479]]

Vol. 77

Tuesday,

No. 44

March 6, 2012

Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 8781--Read Across America Day, 2012
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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 44 / Tuesday, March 6, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 13481]]

                Proclamation 8781 of March 2, 2012

                
Read Across America Day, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                From infancy through adulthood, reading enriches the 
                human experience and illuminates the path to learning, 
                opportunity, and success. By sharing the beauty and 
                power of books with our children, we make a vital 
                investment not only in their future, but also in an 
                America that leads the world in educating its people. 
                As we celebrate Read Across America Day in our homes, 
                schools, and libraries, let us recommit to empowering 
                every child with a strong start and a passion for the 
                written word.

                The journey to literacy begins early and continues 
                throughout childhood. Parents and caregivers can play 
                an essential role in developing fundamental skills by 
                reading aloud regularly, helping children explore new 
                words and concepts, and instilling enthusiasm for 
                language and storytelling. These first lessons help 
                pave the way for a love of reading that can last a 
                lifetime. As children move from the living room to the 
                classroom, teachers, librarians, and families use books 
                to reinforce reading proficiency and build critical 
                thinking skills that provide the foundation for a 
                world-class education. By working together to give our 
                sons and daughters the tools for achievement, we lay 
                the groundwork for growth and prosperity that will 
                stand the test of time.

                On Read Across America Day, we also celebrate the 
                birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel--an author whose 
                fanciful wordplay and whimsical tales continue to 
                delight young readers around the world. Dr. Seuss's 
                stories evoke the unlimited potential for imagination 
                and inspiration on the printed page, and they remind us 
                of the countless ways reading enhances our lives. 
                Today, we reaffirm our commitment to raising a 
                generation of avid learners and bringing an outstanding 
                education within reach for every child.

                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 March 2, 2012, as 
                Read Across America Day. I call upon children, 
                families, educators, librarians, public officials, and 
                all the people of the United States to observe this day 
                with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

[[Page 13482]]

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

[FR Doc. 2012-5611
Filed 3-5-12; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P