[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 71 (Thursday, April 12, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 22181-22182]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-9018]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 71 / Thursday, April 12, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 22181]]


                Proclamation 8798 of April 9, 2012

                
Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In April of 1890, delegates from countries throughout 
                the Americas gathered in Washington, D.C., united in 
                the belief that cooperation would lead to a more 
                peaceful, secure, and prosperous hemisphere. 
                Demonstrating remarkable foresight and a commitment to 
                progress, they came together to forge a community of 
                nations that would one day become the Organization of 
                American States--a body dedicated to the pursuit of 
                democracy and economic opportunity for all our people. 
                During Pan American Day and Pan American Week, we 
                celebrate this legacy of international partnership and 
                renew the bonds of friendship and shared responsibility 
                that join us in common purpose.

                The United States is proud to be part of the inter-
                American community. From the shores of Canada to the 
                cliffs of Cape Horn, our hopes are bound together--to 
                create greater social and economic opportunity for all, 
                to ensure safety for our citizens, to build strong and 
                accountable democratic institutions, to secure a clean 
                energy future. Our Nation remains committed to working 
                together with partners across our hemisphere to achieve 
                these goals.

                Last October, I was proud to sign legislation to 
                implement Free Trade Agreements with Panama and 
                Colombia that will support American jobs, open new 
                markets to our exports, and spur growth here at home 
                and throughout the region. These Agreements strengthen 
                our partnerships, and they reflect our commitment to 
                supporting democracy and economic opportunity 
                throughout the Americas. We are also working to fuel 
                education and innovation across our hemisphere. One 
                year ago, we announced the 100,000 Strong in the 
                Americas initiative to encourage more of our students 
                to study abroad in Latin America and more Latin 
                American students to study here in the United States, 
                fostering lifelong connections between our nations that 
                will be keys to progress. And as we move forward, we 
                continue to support strong democracies and democratic 
                institutions that promote transparency in government, 
                respect the rule of law, ensure a robust civil society, 
                respect human rights, and deliver public services in 
                effective and equitable ways.

                This week, we gather in Cartagena, Colombia, for the 
                Sixth Summit of the Americas. As 34 Heads of State and 
                Government come together to chart a path toward 
                tomorrow's horizons, let us recall that though we are 
                stewards of unique and varied histories, our nations 
                are partners in progress. During Pan American Day and 
                Pan American Week, we celebrate our shared heritage, 
                reflect on the gains we have made, and recommit to 
                advancing the common prosperity and security of all our 
                people.

                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 April 14, 2012, as 
                Pan American Day and April 8 through April 14, 2012, as 
                Pan American Week. I urge the governors of the 50 
                States, the governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto 
                Rico, and the officials of the other areas under the 
                flag of the United States of America to honor these 
                observances with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

[[Page 22182]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                ninth day of April, 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. 2012-9018
Filed 4-11-12; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P