[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8798--APR. 9, 2012

Proclamation 8798 of April 9, 2012

Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In April of 1890, delegates from countries throughout the Americas
gathered in Washington, D.C., united in the belief that cooperation
would lead to a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous hemisphere.
Demonstrating remarkable foresight and a commitment to progress, they
came together to forge a community of nations that would one day become
the Organization of American States--a body dedicated to the pursuit of
democracy and economic opportunity for all our people. During Pan
American Day and Pan American Week, we celebrate this legacy of
international partnership and renew the bonds of friendship and shared
responsibility that join us in common purpose.
The United States is proud to be part of the inter-American community.
From the shores of Canada to the cliffs of Cape Horn, our hopes are
bound together--to create greater social and economic opportunity for
all, to ensure safety for our citizens, to build strong and accountable
democratic institutions, to secure a clean energy future. Our Nation
remains committed to working together with partners across our
hemisphere to achieve these goals.
Last October, I was proud to sign legislation to implement Free Trade
Agreements with Panama and Colombia that will support American jobs,
open new markets to our exports, and spur growth here at home and
throughout the region. These Agreements strengthen our partnerships, and
they reflect our commitment to supporting democracy and economic
opportunity throughout the Americas. We are also working to fuel
education and innovation across our hemisphere. One year ago, we
announced the 100,000 Strong in the Americas initiative to encourage
more of our students to study abroad in Latin America and more Latin
American students to study here in the United States, fostering lifelong
connections between our nations that will be keys to progress. And as we
move forward, we continue to support strong democracies and democratic
institutions that promote transparency in government, respect the rule
of law, ensure a robust civil society, respect human rights, and deliver
public services in effective and equitable ways.
This week, we gather in Cartagena, Colombia, for the Sixth Summit of the
Americas. As 34 Heads of State and Government come together to chart a
path toward tomorrow's horizons, let us recall that though we are
stewards of unique and varied histories, our nations are partners in
progress. During Pan American Day and Pan American Week, we celebrate
our shared heritage, reflect on the gains we have made, and recommit to
advancing the common prosperity and security of all our people.


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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 April 14, 2012, as Pan
American Day and April 8 through April 14, 2012, as Pan American Week. I
urge the governors of the 50 States, the governor of the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, and the officials of the other areas under the flag of the
United States of America to honor these observances with appropriate
ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of April,
in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA