[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