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

 
PROCLAMATION 8589--OCT. 22, 2010

Proclamation 8589 of October 22, 2010
United Nations Day, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Sixty-five years ago, 51 nations came together in the aftermath of one
of history's most devastating wars to rededicate themselves to peace,
justice, and progress. The founders of the United Nations vowed to work
together to ensure that the horrors seen in World War II would never be
repeated. On United Nations Day, we join our friends around the world in
reflecting on our shared interests and renewing our commitment to
international law, common security, accountability, and prosperity for
all peoples.

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The United Nations has made great advances since it first developed out
of ruin and genocide, and, today, this partnership includes 192 member
states. Throughout its journey to live up to its founding values, it has
remained an indispensable vehicle for coordinated action to tackle
global problems. In a time when we face challenges such as nuclear
proliferation, climate change, transnational terrorism, food security
risks, and pandemic disease, we must work as one to build the kind of
world we want to see in the 21st century.
This vital international body provides a forum and framework for leaders
to come together to advance our shared ideals. Through its broad range
of peace operations, it helps limit and resolve conflicts that could
otherwise threaten the security of individuals and the stability of
nations. The United Nations' humanitarian assistance lifts up countless
lives, supporting nations in meeting the most immediate human needs and
in building their own capabilities. Its history of rushing assistance to
disaster victims was reflected this year in its response to the
devastating earthquake in Haiti, which also claimed the lives of many
United Nations officers. And, through its health, education, and
development programs, the United Nations is helping empower the next
generation of world leaders. Although difficulties remain, the dialogue
fostered and actions taken by the United Nations will continue to
strengthen the foundations of freedom across the globe.
Though the future we envision for all the world's children may not come
easily, the founding of the United Nations itself is a testament to
human progress. Let us continue to be guided by its founders' soaring
example, and move through the conflicts and divisions of our time to a
day when people from every part of this world can live together in
peace.
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 24, 2010, as
United Nations Day. I urge the Governors of the 50 States, and the
officials of all other areas under the flag of the United States, to
observe United Nations Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second 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