[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9271 of May 1, 2015

Public Service Recognition Week, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

A Government of, by, and for the people is sustained only through the
hard work and extraordinary sacrifice of millions of citizens willing to
serve the country they love. From the moment an early band of patriots
first came together to secure the blessings of liberty for all, public
servants have worked to create a more perfect Union. Today--in every
city and every town--Americans proudly carry forward this tradition of
service, which has built our Nation and strengthened its promise. This
week, we recognize all those who dedicate their lives to this noble
pursuit, and we celebrate the tremendous difference they make every day.
In the face of difficult challenges, public servants give new life to
the values that bind our Nation together. Civil servants are scientists
and teachers, social workers and first responders--they are the leaders
of today's progress and the innovators of tomorrow's breakthroughs. With
determination and resolve, they defend our country overseas and work to
widen the circle of opportunity and prosperity here at home. And despite
tough circumstances--including pay freezes, budget cuts, sequestration,
and a political climate that too often does not sufficiently value their
work--these exceptional leaders continue to make real the fundamental
truth that people who love their country can change it.
With more than 2 million civilian workers and more than 1 million active
duty service members, our Federal workforce represents extraordinary
possibility. Our Government can and must be a force for good, and
together, we can make sure our democracy works for all Ameri

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cans. We know there are some things we do better when we join in common
purpose, and with hard work and a commitment worthy of our Nation's
potential, we can keep our country safe, guarantee basic security, and
ensure everyone has a shot at success.
As President, I am dedicated to engaging our workforce and investing in
the people who strive every day to help our Nation live up to its
limitless promise. My Administration is advancing efforts to train and
develop the next generation of civil servants and equip them with the
skills to lead change, build coalitions, and collaborate across
Government to solve big problems. We are also finding new ways to
improve how we recruit, empower, and retain the most diverse and very
best talent, ensuring careers in public service will continue to attract
the brightest of the coming generations. I am committed to lifting up
the outstanding work that is done every day and to fostering an
environment where all our employees feel valued, engaged, and included.
Public service is a calling which has meant so much to so many. It
embodies our sense of shared values and reflects our drive to serve a
cause beyond our own--to give back to our Nation, leave our mark, and
nudge history forward. There is no greater opportunity to help more
people or to make a bigger difference. During Public Service Recognition
Week, we honor the women and men who power our local, State, and Federal
governments, and we recommit to tackling the toughest challenges with
the most talented workforce.
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 May 3 through May 9,
2015, as Public Service Recognition Week. I call upon all Americans to
recognize the hard work and dedication of our Nation's public servants
and to observe this week by expressing their gratitude and appreciation
through appropriate activities, events, and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May,
in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.
BARACK OBAMA