[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8633 of March 1, 2011

Read Across America Day, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Hidden in the pages of books are extraordinary worlds and characters
that can spark creativity and imagination, and unlock the potential that
lies within each of our children. Reading is the foundation upon which
all other learning is built, and on Read Across America Day, we reaffirm
our commitment to supporting America's next generation of great readers.
Cultivation of basic literacy skills can begin early and in the home. It
is family who first instills the love of learning in our future leaders
by engaging children in good reading habits and making reading a fun and
interactive activity. Regardless of language or literacy level, every
adult can inspire young people to appreciate the written word early in
life. Parents and mentors can help build fundamental skills by reading
aloud to children regularly, discussing the story, and encouraging
children to ask questions on words or content they do not understand. By
passing a passion for literature on to our sons and daughters, we
prepare them to be lifelong, successful readers, and we provide them
with an essential skill necessary for academic achievement.
Teachers also play an integral role in our students' lives, and
educators can help prepare our children to meet the challenges of
tomorrow by making reading a key component of classroom activities. Our
Nation's young people rely on the critical thinking and analytical
skills gained from reading to build other areas of knowledge, including
the subjects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The
next generation's ability to excel in these disciplines is crucial to
America's strength and prosperity in the 21st century.
Read Across America Day marks the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel,
better known to the world as Dr. Seuss. Through amusing wordplay and
engaging tales, his stories have helped generations of young Americans
enjoy reading and sharpen basic reading skills, vital tools for their
future success. With parents, teachers, and communities working

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together, we can ensure reading is a national priority and American
pastime. By recommitting to improving literacy and raising the
expectations we have for our students, for our schools, and for
ourselves, we will win the future for our children and give every child
a chance to succeed.
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 March 2, 2011, as Read
Across America Day. I call upon children, families, educators,
librarians, public officials, and all the people of the United States to
observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of March,
in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA