    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 9115--APR. 30, 2014

    Proclamation 9115 of April 30, 2014

    Law Day, U.S.A., 2014

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    More than two centuries ago, patriots battled to release America from
    the grip of tyranny. As these brave citizens defended their right to
    shape their own destiny, our Founders created a government of, by, and
    for the people--rooted in the belief that just power derives from the
    consent of the governed. It is a system that can only function through
    the rule of law.
    This Law Day pays special tribute to the right to vote, the cornerstone
    of democracy. Many Americans won the franchise after generations of
    struggle, while others gave their lives so their children and
    grandchildren might one day enjoy what should have been their
    birthright. Thanks to women who picketed the White House and activists
    who marched on the National Mall, our laws finally recognized a truth
    that had always been self-evident--that every citizen should have a
    voice in our democracy. Over the centuries, we have made legal changes
    that eliminated formal voting restrictions based on wealth, race, and
    sex and that extended the right to vote to younger adults. Today, our
    laws continue to protect this fundamental right, laws like the Voting
    Rights Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote
    Act, and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
    Despite this hard-fought progress, barriers to voting still exist, and
    the right to vote faces a new wave of threats. In some States, women may
    be turned away from the polls because they are registered under their
    maiden name; in others, seniors who have been voting for decades may
    suddenly be told they cannot vote because they do not have a particular
    form of identification. As we reflect on the trials and triumphs of
    generations past, we must rededicate ourselves to preserving those
    victories in our time. Earlier this year, a bipartisan commission I
    appointed recommended a series of common-sense reforms to protect the
    right to vote, curb the potential for fraud, and ensure no one has to
    wait more than a half hour to cast a ballot. States and local election
    officials should implement these recommendations. In addition, the
    Congress should demonstrate its commitment to our fundamental right by
    updating the Voting Rights Act.

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    Let us mark Law Day by recognizing the institutions that uphold the rule
    of law in America. Let us vow to keep safe our founding creed. And let
    us remember that opportunity requires justice, and justice requires the
    right to vote.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
    America, in accordance with Public Law 87-20, as amended, do hereby
    proclaim May 1, 2014, as Law Day, U.S.A. I call upon all Americans to
    acknowledge the importance of our Nation's legal and judicial systems
    with appropriate ceremonies and activities, and to display the flag of
    the United States in support of this national observance.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
    April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    eighth.
    BARACK OBAMA