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

 
Proclamation 8686 of May 31, 2011

National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
The fabric of our Nation has been woven together and enriched by the
diversity of our people. Our legacy as a Nation of immigrants is part of
what makes America strong, and during National Caribbean-American
Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich history and vibrant culture
Caribbean Americans have brought to our shores.
Immigrants from Caribbean countries have come to America for centuries.
Some came through the bondage of slavery. Others willfully left behind
the world they knew in search of a better life. Regardless of the
circumstances of their arrival, they had faith their descendants would
have a chance to realize their greatest potential.
Caribbean Americans have prospered in every sector of our society and
enhanced our national character while maintaining the multiethnic and
multicultural traditions of their homelands. They are doctors and
lawyers, public servants and scientists, and athletes and service
members. Their successes inspire individuals in the United States and
abroad, and we take pride in the contributions Caribbean Americans
continue to make to the narrative of our Nation's progress. Their
achievements are borne of hard work and ambition, and my Administration
is committed to creating pathways to prosperity that ensure future
generations of Caribbean Americans, along with all Americans, are able
to pursue and realize the American dream.
This month, we also recognize the important friendship between the
United States and the countries of the Caribbean as we expand our
partnership to promote economic development, democratic governance,
citizen security, and improved health and education in the region.
Additionally, as Haiti continues to recover from last year's devastating
earthquake, we remain committed to standing beside the people of Haiti
as they rebuild their proud nation, and to working with others in the
region to bring lasting prosperity and stability to the country.
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 June 2011 as National
Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I urge all Americans to commemorate
this time when we celebrate the history and culture of Caribbean
Americans.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of
May, 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