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

 
Proclamation 8707 of September 2, 2011

Labor Day, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Every day, hard-working men and women across America prove that, even in
difficult times, our country is still home to the most creative,
dynamic, and talented workers in the world. Generations of working
people have built this country--from our highways and skylines, to the
goods and services driving us in the 21st century. On Labor Day and
throughout the year, we celebrate our Nation's workers, and we commit to
supporting their efforts in moving our economy forward.

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The right to organize and collectively bargain is a fundamental American
value. Since its beginnings in our country, organized labor has raised
our living standards and built our middle class. It is the reason we
have a minimum wage, weekends away from work to rest and spend time with
family, and basic protections in our workplaces. Many Americans today
are given opportunities because their parents and grandparents fought
for these basic rights and values. The principles upheld by the
honorable laborers of generations past and their unions continue to fuel
the growth of our economy and a strong middle class.
This year has seen a vigorous fight to protect these rights and values,
and on this Labor Day, we reaffirm that collective bargaining is a
cornerstone of the American dream. From public employees--including
teachers, firefighters, police, and others who perform public services--
to workers in private industries, these men and women hold the power of
our Nation in their hands.
In the last several years, we have pulled our country back from the
brink, through a series of tough economic decisions. While we have come
far, great challenges still face us. Many Americans are still
struggling, and many are unemployed. My Administration is working
tirelessly each day to promote policies that get Americans back to work.
We will always strive to keep our fundamental promise that, in America,
anyone who works hard and acts responsibly can provide a better future
for their children. When we come together, there is no limit to what the
American workforce can do.
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 September 5, 2011, as
Labor Day. I call upon all public officials and people of the United
States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and
activities that acknowledge the tremendous contributions of working
Americans and their families.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA