    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8585--OCT. 14, 2010

    Proclamation 8585 of October 14, 2010
    Italian American Heritage and Culture Month, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    In the five centuries since Christopher Columbus, a son of Genoa, Italy,
    first set sail across the Atlantic Ocean, countless individuals have
    followed the course he charted to seek a new life in America. Since that
    time, generations of Italian Americans have helped shape our society and
    steer the course of our history. During Italian American Heritage and
    Culture Month, we recognize the rich heritage of Americans of Italian
    descent and celebrate their immeasurable contributions to our Nation.
    Bound by enduring values of faith and family, Italian Americans have
    flourished in all areas of our public and economic life while preserving
    their proud Italian traditions. Upon arrival in the United States, the
    Italian American community faced racial, social, and religious
    discrimination. Yet, Italian Americans have persevered with hope and
    hard work to reach for the American dream and helped build our great
    country. As proud service members, they have also defended the liberty
    and integrity of the United States since the Revolutionary War.
    Today, the legacy of these intrepid immigrants is found in the millions
    of American men, women, and children of Italian descent who strengthen
    and enrich our country. Italian Americans operate thriving businesses,
    teach our children, serve at all levels of government, and succeed in
    myriad occupations. Drawing on the courage and principles of their
    forebears, they lead in every facet of American life, dedicating their
    knowledge and skills to the growth of our country.
    The Great Seal of the United States declares ``out of many, one.'' As we
    forge new futures as a unified people, we must celebrate the unique and
    vibrant cultures that have written the American story. Many determined
    individuals have sought our shores as a beacon of hope and opportunity,
    and their spirit of limitless possibility and example of resolve
    continues to inspire and guide our Nation. As we honor the long history
    and vast contributions of Italian Americans, let us recommit to
    extending the promise of America that they embraced to future
    generations.
    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 2010 as
    Italian American Heritage and Culture Month. I call upon all

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    Americans to learn more about the history of Italian Americans, and to
    observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fifth.
    BARACK OBAMA