[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 182 (Thursday, September 19, 2013)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 57779-57780]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-23014]



[[Page 57777]]

Vol. 78

Thursday,

No. 182

September 19, 2013

Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 9019--Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution 
Week, 2013



Proclamation 9020--Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy at the 
Washington Navy Yard
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  Federal Register / Vol. 78 , No. 182 / Thursday, September 19, 2013 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

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                Proclamation 9019 of September 16, 2013

                
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, 
                Constitution Week, 2013

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In May of 1787, delegates gathered in the Pennsylvania 
                State House to chart a new course for our nascent 
                country. They met in a time of economic hardship and 
                passionate debate, but with the understanding that 
                while controversy is a hallmark of democracy, the 
                forces of tension and uncertainty pale in comparison to 
                the strength of our common ideals. In a document that 
                has endured for more than two and a quarter centuries, 
                the Framers put forth their vision for a more perfect 
                Union.

                Our Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, and 
                after an extended period of national conversation and 
                with the promise of a bill of rights, it became the 
                supreme law of the land. Since that time, America's 
                Constitution has inspired nations to demand control of 
                their own destinies. It has called multitudes to seek 
                freedom and prosperity on our shores. We are a proud 
                Nation of immigrants, home to a long line of aspiring 
                citizens who contributed to their communities, founded 
                businesses, or sacrificed their livelihoods so they 
                could pass a brighter future on to their children. Each 
                year on Citizenship Day, we welcome the newest members 
                of the American family as they pledge allegiance to our 
                Constitution and join us in writing the next chapter of 
                our national story.

                Throughout our history, immigrants have embraced the 
                spirit of liberty, equality, and justice for all--the 
                same ideals that stirred the patriots of 1776 to rise 
                against an empire, guided the Framers as they built a 
                stronger republic, and moved generations to bridge our 
                founding promise with the realities of our time.

                The pursuit of this promise defines our history; with 
                amendments that trace our national journey, the 
                Constitution bears witness to how far we have come. As 
                we celebrate the world's longest surviving written 
                charter of government, let us remember that upholding 
                our founding principles requires us to challenge modern 
                injustices. Let us accept our responsibilities as 
                citizens, our obligations to one another and to future 
                generations. Let us move forward with the knowledge 
                that in the face of impossible odds, those who love 
                their country can change it.

                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, 2013, as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and 
                September 17 through September 23, 2013, 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 57780]]

                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 thirteen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
                eighth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2013-23014
Filed 9-18-13; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F3