[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8411--SEPT. 4, 2009

Proclamation 8411 of September 4, 2009
Labor Day, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Since our Nation's founding, working Americans have carried us through
times of challenge and uncertainty and propelled America through eras of
peace and prosperity. They have long formed the backbone of our Nation's
economy, and they will continue to lead our Nation to new heights in the
years to come.
Working Americans helped lay the foundation for our Nation's progress
over the generations. Brick by brick, they built the infrastructure that
powered the engine of our economy. With firm resolve and commitment,
they constructed our cities and towns, and with unparalleled skill they
manufactured the goods and provided the services needed by Americans and
people around the world. They have prepared our children for the
challenges ahead and cared for the sick and the elderly. Today, we
commemorate the many contributions labor has made to our Nation.
Throughout its history, the labor movement has given voice to the
aspirations and concerns of millions of men and women. By fighting for
decent working conditions, as well as fair wages and benefits, organized
labor has stood for the rights of everyday Americans. With determination
and commitment, labor has advocated for all working families and all
have benefited from the fruits of their struggles.
Today, we find ourselves in an era of great challenges. The economic
crisis we face is vast and complex. Americans understand the
consequences: dwindling savings for young families, a daunting choice
between prescriptions and groceries for our seniors, and fading hopes
for a college education for our young people. Just as they have so many
times in our history, working Americans will help our Nation emerge from
this crisis and lead us into a new era of prosperity and progress.

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This Labor Day, as we honor our workers, and we renew our commitment to
uphold the American Dream and the founding promise of our Nation: in
America, we can make of our lives what we will, and all things are
possible for all 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
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 7, 2009, as
Labor Day. I call upon public officials and all the people of the United
States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and
activities that acknowledge the tremendous contributions of working
Americans and their families.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fourth.
BARACK OBAMA

PROCLAMATION 8412--SEPT. 4, 2009

Proclamation 8412 of September 4, 2009
National Preparedness Month, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Preparedness is an essential element of a resilient and secure Nation.
My Administration has made preparedness a top priority, and we are
working every day to ensure our country stands ready to respond to any
disaster or emergency-from wildfires and hurricanes, to terrorist
attacks and pandemic disease. Our goal is to ensure a more resilient
Nation-one in which individuals, communities, and our economy can adapt
to changing conditions as well as withstand and rapidly recover from
disruption due to emergencies.
During National Preparedness Month, we underscore the responsibility of
individuals, families, and communities-including the private and
nonprofit sectors-to do their part before an emergency. I urge all
Americans to take time to prepare an emergency supply kit and a family
emergency plan, and to educate themselves about potential disasters. I
also ask Americans to work within their own communities to coordinate
emergency preparedness efforts. All Americans share this responsibility,
and we must all work together to safeguard the Nation from harm.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supports and promotes
citizen education and grassroots preparedness efforts. FEMA's Ready
Campaign provides simple and practical steps that all Americans can take
to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors.
Additionally, the Citizen Corps educates, trains, and coordinates
volunteer activities that help make our communities safer and better
prepared for emergencies. I encourage all Americans to learn more at
www.ready.gov and www.citizencorps.gov.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con-

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123 STAT. 3691

stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September
2009 as National Preparedness Month. I call upon the people of the
United States to recognize the importance of preparing for potential
emergencies beforehand and to observe this month with appropriate
preparedness activities, events, and training to enhance our national
resilience.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fourth.
BARACK OBAMA