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

 
Proclamation 8714 of September 16, 2011

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
In the summer of 1787, delegates from the States gathered in
Philadelphia to build a new framework for our young republic. Our
Constitution's Framers represented diverse backgrounds, and on key
issues, they were divided. Yet despite their differences, they
courageously joined together in common purpose to create ``a more
perfect Union.'' After 4 months of fierce debate and hard-fought
compromise, the delegates signed the Constitution of the United States.
For more than two centuries, the Constitution has presided as the
supreme law of the land, keeping our leaders true to America's highest
ideals and guaranteeing the fundamental rights that make our country a
beacon of hope to all peoples seeking freedom and justice. Together with
the Bill of Rights, our Constitution is the backbone of our government
and the basis of our liberties. Even while retaining its structure, our
founding document has grown with our Nation's conscience, amended over
the years to extend America's promise to citizens of every race, gender,
and creed.
Americans are defined not by bloodlines or allegiance to any one leader
or faith, but by our shared ideals of liberty, equality, and justice
under the law. We are a Nation of immigrants, built and sustained by
people who have brought their talents, drive, and entrepreneurial spirit
to our shores. Generations of newcomers have journeyed to this land
because they believed in what our country stands for.
Every year, thousands of candidates for citizenship commemorate
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day by becoming American citizens.
These men and women have respected our laws and learned our history, and
some have served in our military. Today, we invite them to join us in
writing the next great chapter of the American story.
In signing the Constitution, the Framers provided a model of American
leadership for generations to come. Through controversy and division,
they built a lasting structure of government that began with the words,
``We the People.'' This week, as we celebrate our Founders' timeless
vision, we resolve to stay true to their spirit of patriotism and unity.
In remembrance of the signing of the Constitution and in recognition of
the Americans who strive to uphold the duties and responsibilities

[[Page 2077]]

of citizenship, the Congress, by joint resolution of February 29, 1952
(36 U.S.C. 106), designated September 17 as ``Constitution Day and
Citizenship Day,'' and by joint resolution of August 2, 1956 (36 U.S.C.
108), requested that the President proclaim the week beginning September
17 and ending September 23 of each year as ``Constitution Week.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim September 17, 2011, as Constitution Day and
Citizenship Day, and September 17 through September 23, 2011, as
Constitution Week. I encourage Federal, State, and local officials, as
well as leaders of civic, social, and educational organizations, to
conduct ceremonies and programs that bring together community members to
reflect on the importance of active citizenship, recognize the enduring
strength of our Constitution, and reaffirm our commitment to the rights
and obligations of citizenship in this great Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth 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