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

 
Proclamation 8759 of November 21, 2011

50th Anniversary of the United States Agency for International
Development
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
This year, the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID) commemorates 50 years of progress dedicated to saving lives,
building partnerships, and promoting peace and prosperity for the
developing world and the American people.
Since President John F. Kennedy founded USAID in 1961, the men and women
of USAID have worked on the front lines of poverty and conflict to
support communities and countries as they build a better future. By
promoting sustainable growth in the developing world, we spur new
markets abroad and energize our economy here at home. By encouraging
good governance, we empower transparency, accountability, and strong
institutions that are responsive to citizens' needs. By driving
innovations in agriculture, education, and global health, we strengthen
global stability and advance our national security. And by delivering
aid in the wake of natural disasters and humanitarian crises, we express
the generosity and goodwill that unite us as a people.
The impact of these efforts is remarkable. In the past five decades,
USAID has helped developing countries across the globe transform into
stable and prosperous nations, vibrant trading partners, and foreign
assistance donors themselves. These countries stand as beacons of hope
for people striving toward democracy, free economies, and respect for
human rights. The critical work of USAID enables these transitions
forward, helping prevent and end conflict around the world.
Even after these successes, we know there is more to do. To advance
America's interests and promote global development, USAID has instituted
a series of ambitious reforms that will bring new partnerships, a
greater emphasis on innovation, and a relentless focus on real results.
These actions will help ensure we invest every development dollar in the
most effective, efficient, and transparent way possible. And they will
ensure that those with the greatest needs in this world are extended a
helping hand from the American people.
On this anniversary, we honor the men and women of USAID whose
dedication to public service has improved millions of lives around the
world, and we honor the vision of those whose spirit of innovation has
opened new frontiers in the global fight against hunger, poverty, and
disease. As USAID continues to shape a brighter future for generations
to come, its mission will remain of vital importance to our Nation.
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 the 50th Anniversary
of the United States Agency for International Development. I call upon
all Americans to observe this anniversary with appropriate programs,
ceremonies, and activities that honor USAID and its workers, past and
present, for their enduring commitment to a safer, more peaceful world.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of
November, 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