[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 193 (Thursday, October 4, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 60603-60604]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-24652]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 193 / Thursday, October 4, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 60603]]

                Proclamation 8873 of October 1, 2012

                
National Arts and Humanities Month, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                After the bombing of Fort McHenry during the War of 
                1812, a young lawyer named Francis Scott Key reached 
                for his pen and captured the resilience of the American 
                people. His poem became our National Anthem, and almost 
                two centuries later, it continues to speak to the 
                American spirit just as it did on that September day so 
                long ago. Throughout our history, the arts and 
                humanities have given us comfort and confidence, drawn 
                us together, and called on us to strive for a more 
                perfect Union. This month, we celebrate our Nation's 
                rich artistic heritage.

                Artistic expression and memorable ideas can resonate 
                with us, challenge us, and teach us important lessons 
                about ourselves and each other. At their best, great 
                works of literature, theater, dance, fine art, and 
                music reflect something common in all of us. They open 
                dialogues between cultures and raise poignant questions 
                about our world. They are also vital components of our 
                children's education and our national growth--not only 
                teaching our youth to observe closely, interpret 
                creatively, and think critically, but also bringing new 
                cultural experiences to our communities and helping 
                drive economic progress. That is why my Administration 
                is committed to strengthening arts and humanities 
                programs in schools and communities across our Nation.

                When children read their first book, pick up their 
                first instrument, or perform in their first play, they 
                demonstrate the power of the arts to ignite wonder and 
                imagination. This month, let us pledge to invest in 
                America's next generation by ensuring our children have 
                the opportunity to participate in and enjoy the arts 
                and humanities. If we give them the tools to create and 
                innovate, they will do their part to disrupt our views, 
                challenge our perceptions, and stir us to be our best 
                selves.

                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 October 2012 as 
                National Arts and Humanities Month. I call upon the 
                people of the United States to join together in 
                observing this month with appropriate ceremonies, 
                activities, and programs to celebrate the arts and the 
                humanities in America.

[[Page 60604]]

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

[FR Doc. 2012-24652
Filed 10-3-12; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F3