The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 30, 2015

Presidential Proclamation -- National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2015

NATIONAL PHYSICAL FITNESS AND SPORTS MONTH, 2015

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

 

Sports are a fundamental part of American culture.  They foster our country's competitive drive, help us stay healthy, and teach us what it takes to succeed -- not only on the softball diamond or the basketball court, but also in life. Sports and fitness reflect our national character, and they help us unlock our full potential.  During National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we recognize parents, coaches, educators, and all those who instill in our children the importance of regular exercise, and we invite all people to invest in their own wellbeing by finding a way to be active each day.

Physical fitness is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle.  Regular exercise can produce long-term health benefits; it can help prevent chronic diseases, combat obesity, relieve stress, and increase the chances of living longer.  By making physical activity part of your daily routine -- at least 30 minutes for adults and 60 minutes for children -- you can put yourself on the path to better physical and mental health.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative, which has helped increase opportunities for physical activity and inspire Americans of all ages to lead healthy, active lives.  To celebrate, the First Lady is challenging everyone to #GimmeFive things they are doing to eat better, be more active, and live more healthfully.  To join the fun and find new ways to stay fit, challenge your family, friends, and colleagues to #GimmeFive this month.

Communities all across our country have embraced my Administration's national call to action and encouraged each other to stay active and make smart life choices.  The President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition is also promoting physical activity to ensure all Americans have the chances they deserve to lead healthy lives.  Their I Can Do It, You Can Do It! program is working to empower Americans with disabilities and make certain they have equal opportunities to participate in regular physical activity in their schools and communities.  And the Go4Life campaign is helping older Americans, including those with chronic conditions, to be active every day.

By making daily healthy choices, all Americans can strengthen their bodies and minds and build a foundation that supports their greatest aspirations.  This month, let us encourage one another to get involved in sports and fitness activities and together, forge a healthier future for ourselves, our loved ones, and our Nation.  To learn how you can get involved, visit www.LetsMove.gov and www.Fitness.gov.

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 2015 as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.  I call upon the people of the United States to make daily physical activity, sports participation, and good nutrition a priority in their lives.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, 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

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 30, 2015

Presidential Proclamation --National Building Safety Month, 2015

NATIONAL BUILDING SAFETY MONTH, 2015

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

From skyscrapers and schools to hospitals and homes, America's buildings are the foundations of our communities.  When disasters strike, we rely on the structural integrity of our buildings to keep us safe.  This month, we pay tribute to the innovative professionals who implement our safety standards, and we redouble our efforts to make our buildings as resilient as our people.

All Americans can take action to protect their loved ones and their property by preparing their homes and workplaces for any disaster.  If earthquakes are common where you live, you can restrain heavy appliances, anchor tall bookcases and file cabinets, and install latches on drawers and cabinet doors.  To protect against hurricanes, tornadoes, and high winds, you can reinforce garage doors and prepare covers for your windows and house doors.  To learn more about how to prepare for all types of disasters and improve the safety and resilience of the places in which you spend time, visit www.Ready.gov.

My Administration is committed to creating stronger, safer, disaster-resistant communities and to empowering Americans to do their part.  We are collaborating with engineers, scientists, construction workers, and other professionals to develop cutting-edge tools focused on bolstering the safety of our buildings and infrastructure while also improving their energy efficiency -- because we can increase our Nation's resilience while also being good stewards of our environment.  And we are working with States, tribal leaders, and local partners to ensure neighborhoods across our Nation adopt the most up-to-date building codes and standards that not only help protect individuals and their families, but also support the needs of our cities and towns.

As our Nation faces longer wildfire seasons, more severe droughts, heavier rainfall, and more frequent flooding in a changing climate, safeguarding the resilience of our infrastructure is more critical than ever.  That is why, as part of my Climate Action Plan, my Administration is committed to building infrastructure that can withstand more frequent and more devastating natural disasters.  To support these efforts, earlier this year I established a flood standard for new and rebuilt federally funded structures in and around floodplains, ensuring taxpayer dollars are well spent on resilient infrastructure while reducing the risk and cost of future flood disasters.

Across the United States, buildings bring us together and protect us from harm.  As a Nation, our capacity to continue to withstand threats and recover quickly from disaster depends on what we do today.  During National Building Safety Month, let us rededicate ourselves to making the places we live, work, and play more stable and secure for generations to come.

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 2015 as National Building Safety Month.  I encourage citizens, government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and other interested groups to join in activities that raise awareness about building safety.  I also call on all Americans to learn more about how they can contribute to building safety at home and in their communities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, 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

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 30, 2015

Presidential Proclamation --Jewish American Heritage Month, 2015

JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2015

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

From our Nation's earliest days, Jewish Americans have been a critical part of our story.  In the face of unspeakable discrimination and adversity, they have fought tirelessly to realize their piece of the American dream and the promise of our founding, holding tight to the belief that a better day lies ahead.  Their relentless spirit and remarkable achievements have enriched our country, stirred our conscience, and challenged us to extend the miracles of freedom and security.  This month, we honor the vast contributions Jewish Americans have made to our world, and we recommit to standing up for the traditions we believe in and the values we share.

As we celebrate the rich heritage of the Jewish American community, it is impossible to separate their accomplishments from the struggles of Jewish people around the world.  American Jews have worked to strengthen the promise of religious freedom because their ancestors were tested from the moment they came together and professed their faith.  Today, they continue to teach us empathy and compassion, inspired by the lessons of their parents and grandparents who knew how it felt to be a stranger, and to stand up for a more perfect Union for all -- relentlessly pursuing tikkun olam -- because they have always understood that we must recognize ourselves in the struggles of our fellow man. 

This year, Jewish American Heritage Month begins as the world commemorates the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Dachau by American soldiers, and we are once again reminded that the vibrant culture of the Jewish people has not always been embraced.  As tragic events show us all too often, Jewish communities continue to confront hostility and bigotry, including in America.  Our Nation shares an obligation to condemn and combat anti-Semitism and hatred wherever it exists, and we remain committed to standing against the ugly tide of anti-Semitism in all its forms, including in the denial or trivialization of the Holocaust.

In celebrating the contributions of the Jewish people to the progress of our country, we also reaffirm America's unwavering commitment to the security of the State of Israel and the close bonds between our two nations and our peoples.

For centuries, Jews have reached for the blessings of freedom and opportunity in the United States.  Today -- as pillars of their families and leaders in their communities -- Jewish Americans represent a link in an unbroken chain of perseverance.  During Jewish American Heritage Month, we celebrate the hard-fought progress won through struggle and sacrifice, and we rededicate ourselves to building a world where diversity is cherished and faith is protected.

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 2015 as Jewish American Heritage Month.  I call upon all Americans to visit www.JewishHeritageMonth.gov to learn more about the heritage and contributions of Jewish Americans and to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies.  

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.

 

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 30, 2015

Presidential Proclamation -- National Foster Care Month, 2015

NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH, 2015

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

 

At the heart of the American story is the simple truth that all children should have a fair chance at success, no matter who they are or where they come from.  Central to this promise of opportunity are the love and support of family -- which all girls and boys deserve, but not enough have.  During National Foster Care Month, we recommit to caring for all our Nation's daughters and sons, and we reaffirm our basic belief:  in America, there is a place for everyone, and no young person should feel like they are on their own.

Over the last decade, our Nation has made significant progress in reducing the number of young people in foster care, but we have more work to do to ensure all children can thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.  Today, there are over 400,000 boys and girls in our foster care system.  More than 100,000 of them are waiting to be adopted, and every year, 23,000 young people age out of the system -- never having found the security of a permanent home.  There also continue to be disproportionate numbers of African-American and Native American youth in the foster care system, compounding the disparities these communities too often face.

All young people, regardless of what they look like, which religion they follow, who they love, or the gender they identify with, deserve the chance to dream and grow in a loving, permanent home.  When our Nation's daughters and sons lack stable homes and strong support structures, they face enormous barriers to reaching their fullest potential -- difficulties no child should have to experience, especially not on their own.  And those who age out of the foster care system often face obstacles as they transition into adulthood, including challenges completing their education, remaining financially secure, and staying out of the justice system.

My Administration is committed to expanding what is possible for all our Nation's children and empowering them to overcome every challenge they face.  From day one, we have been working to create a better, more-supportive foster care system, and we have taken steps to increase the safety, permanency, and well-being of America's children.  Last year, we announced new initiatives to help protect the financial security of foster youth, expand their opportunities for education and employment, and keep them out of the justice system.  We are partnering with State and tribal leaders to support innovative strategies that strengthen families, improve the foster care system, and prevent children from entering it in the first place, and each day we continue the fight to secure every child's right to earn their piece of the American dream.

We know that children are best raised in families, not institutions.  And each year, men and women of all backgrounds open their homes and hearts to foster children.  These selfless individuals step up and serve as loving parents and family members and dedicated teachers, mentors, caseworkers, and faith leaders -- helping foster children realize their highest aspirations despite the great odds stacked against them.  My Administration is striving to bolster all those who support foster children by providing the resources and assistance they need.  With so many children waiting for loving homes, it is important to ensure all qualified caregivers have the opportunity to serve as foster or adoptive parents, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.  That is why we are working to break down the barriers that exist and investing in efforts to recruit more qualified parents for children in foster care.

In the face of often unimaginable challenges, foster children demonstrate extraordinary courage and determination.  Their resolve reminds us that we have obligations to them and to one another, and that we all share in the responsibility of lifting up our Nation's youth.  This month, we honor these young people and all those who dedicate themselves to making a difference in the lives of girls and boys in foster care.  Let us each recognize the large and small ways we can brighten the future of a foster child this month and every month, and together let us reach for the day when everyone knows the love and safety of a permanent home.

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 2015 as National Foster Care Month.  I call upon all Americans to observe this month by taking time to help youth in foster care and recognizing the commitment of all who touch their lives.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, 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

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 27, 2015

Presidential Proclamation -- Workers Memorial Day, 2015

WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY, 2015

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Across the United States, as dedicated Americans clock in at factories, walk onto construction sites, put on their hospital uniforms, and report to do the daily work that drives our Nation's progress, they give meaning to the simple yet profound belief that if you work hard and take responsibility, you can get ahead. However, each year millions of people have their shifts cut short by work-related injuries and illnesses, and on average, 12 Americans lose their lives on the job every day. On Workers Memorial Day, we honor those we have lost and recommit to improving conditions for all who work hard to provide for their families and contribute to our country.

Throughout our history, the American worker has labored not only to erect buildings and cities, but also to raise the standards of our Nation's workplaces. Through protests and picket lines, by organizing and raising their voices together, workers have won small and large victories that have pushed our country closer to ensuring safer and healthier jobs for all. Over 40 years ago, the right to a safe workplace was written into law with the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Since then, job-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses have decreased; but there is more progress to be made, and we cannot grow complacent in the fight for better working conditions.

My Administration continues to bolster workers' rights with millions of dollars in funding targeted at inspecting hazardous workplaces and helping employers understand and comply with safety and health regulations. Additionally, to ensure companies receiving taxpayer money maintain a safe workplace, last year I signed an Executive Order to crack down on Federal contractors who put workers' safety and pay at risk. By creating incentives for better compliance and a process for contractors to follow basic workplace protection laws, we are sending a strong message throughout the economy: if you want to do business with the United States, you must respect our workers.

American laborers form the backbone of our economy -- but our economic growth should never come at the cost of their safety or well-being. Those who work every day to put food on the table, provide for their families, or care for their fellow citizens should know their country has their back. Today, as we remember women and men taken from us too soon, we remind ourselves that even one life lost to a preventable job-related incident is one too many, and we focus our efforts on creating a world where success at the workplace is determined only by the strength of our work ethic and the scope of our dreams.

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 28, 2015, as Workers Memorial Day. I call upon all Americans to participate in ceremonies and activities in memory of those killed or injured due to unsafe working conditions.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of April, 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

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 21, 2015

Presidential Proclamation -- Earth Day, 2015

EARTH DAY, 2015

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Forty-five years ago, millions of Americans celebrated the first Earth Day in cities across our Nation.  Having borne witness to years of environmental neglect, these ordinary citizens gathered in the streets, in parks, and on college campuses to demand change and commit to leaving a healthier planet for the next generation.  Faced with contaminated rivers and polluted cities, they stood up, spoke out, and fought for air, water, and wildlife protections.  Their voices galvanized a movement -- leading to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act -- and ignited a spirit of stewardship that continues to drive us to meet the challenges of our time.

Today, our planet faces new challenges, but none pose a greater threat to future generations than climate change.  Science tells us the earth is warming -- last year was the planet's warmest on record, and 14 of the 15 warmest recorded years have come in the first 15 years of this century -- and human activity is the primary driver of the rapid warming of the past half-century.  Climate change will have profound impacts on all humankind, and many Americans are already feeling the effects.  The costs of more severe weather disasters can be measured in lost lives and livelihoods and in billions of dollars of emergency services, and the costs will only increase with time.  Firefighters are braving longer wildfire seasons; farmers are confronting adverse growing conditions; and our children and most vulnerable populations are experiencing a range of climate-related health effects.

As a Nation, we must act before it is too late.  That is why my Administration has taken a series of ambitious steps to combat climate change and protect our planet for our children and grandchildren.  As part of my Climate Action Plan, we have proposed the first-ever carbon pollution limits for existing power plants.  We have also partnered with communities to prepare for the impacts of a changing climate that we can no longer avoid.  And I have protected more than 260 million additional acres of public lands and waters, safeguarding the natural bounty of our planet for ages to come.

The United States is committed to our role as a global leader in the fight against climate change, and last year, we jointly announced with China ambitious but achievable new targets for reducing greenhouse gases.  I am also ensuring that our Federal Government leads by example by working to reduce Federal greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent.  My Administration will continue to engage with key stakeholders at home and abroad who share our hope for a cleaner world.

Protecting our planet will also require us to change the way we use energy, and my energy strategy recognizes this critical need.  My Administration has made the largest investment in clean energy in American history, and today the United States generates more renewable energy than ever before -- we harness 3 times as much wind power as we did when I took office and solar electricity generation has increased 20-fold.  Mayors, Governors, and business leaders across the country are taking steps to deploy clean energy, boost energy efficiency, and create more sustainable communities and supply chains.  We are promoting energy efficiency in our buildings and cars and working to ensure our Nation is a leader in the energy sources of tomorrow.

As caretakers of our planet, we all have an obligation to combat climate change and protect our earth for the next generation.  The decisions we make today and in the years ahead will have a profound impact on the world we leave behind, and we must each do our part.  We can reduce the energy used in our homes and offices; we can help protect our resources by recycling as part of our everyday routine; and we can raise our voices to support policies like the ones my Administration has put forth to protect our environment while strengthening our economy.  On Earth Day, let us join with communities around the world, and as one people -- who share one planet -- let us recommit to meeting the test of our time and continuing our work to build a cleaner, safer, more stable world.

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 22, 2015, as Earth Day.  I encourage all Americans to participate in programs and activities that will protect our environment and contribute to a healthy, sustainable future.

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

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 20, 2015

Presidential Proclamation -- National Park Week, 2015

NATIONAL PARK WEEK, 2015

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

America's grandeur and God-given bounty are the birthright of all our people.  Our national parks, monuments, lands, and waters belong to us all, and every person should be able to use and enjoy these unparalleled public lands.  To celebrate the places that make America great -- the treasures that writer and conservationist Wallace Stegner once called "the geography of hope" -- and to kick off National Park Week, this weekend the National Park Service is offering free admission.  I encourage all people to explore our natural wonders and rediscover the essential part of the American spirit they reflect.

As our Nation prepares to celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service next year, my Administration is encouraging Americans to "Find Your Park" all year long.  America's public lands and waters are living classrooms, active laboratories, and vast playgrounds, offering space to get outside and be active.  These places reflect our heritage and help tell the stories about giants of our history and extraordinary chapters of our past.  They teach us about ourselves, rejuvenate our spirit, and keep us connected to what it means to be American.  They offer something for everyone, and chances are, there is a National Park closer to you than you think.  To learn more, visit www.FindYourPark.com.

As President, I am committed to ensuring every child in America -- regardless of who they are or where they live -- has this opportunity to discover the great outdoor spaces that have inspired women and men for generations.  That is why earlier this year I launched the Every Kid in a Park initiative, which will provide all fourth graders and their families with free admission to our National Parks and other Federal lands and waters for a full year.  My Administration will also work to make it easier for schools and families to plan trips to visit these places of natural splendor, helping to ensure all our young people have the chance to experience for themselves some of our Nation's greatest assets.

Americans are heirs to an extraordinary legacy of conservation and environmental stewardship that has protected our great outdoors for the use and benefit of all.  We are blessed with the most beautiful landscapes and waterscapes in the world, and it is our obligation to make sure the next generation is able to enjoy that same bounty.  I am proud to have protected more than 260 million additional acres of public lands and waters -- more than any other President -- which includes the establishment or expansion of 16 National Monuments through my Executive authority.  And my Administration continues to take action to protect our lands and waters from the impacts of climate change, and to support important programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund that make the outdoors easier to access for all people.

This week, we embrace our cherished lands and waters, and celebrate the ways they enrich our Nation.  Let us seize this opportunity to experience all our great outdoors has to offer, and let us recommit to doing our part to preserve these majestic places for all our children and grandchildren.

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 18 through April 26, 2015, as National Park Week.  I encourage all Americans to visit their National Parks and be reminded of these unique blessings we share as a Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of April, 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

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 17, 2015

Presidential Proclamation -- National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK, 2015

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

In recent decades, our Nation has made tremendous progress in reducing the crime rate and building safer communities for all Americans.  Yet tragically, millions of people continue to be victimized by crime each year -- it happens every day, and it can happen to anyone.  When one person's life is shaken by crime, it tears at the fabric of our Nation and erodes the values we cherish.  That is why we all must help rebuild the promise of justice and fairness for those whose lives are forever changed by crime.  This week, as we stand with these men, women, and children, we renew our commitment to supporting them in their time of need, and we reaffirm the basic human right of all people to live free from violence.

All crime victims have fundamental rights; however, many underserved populations face significant barriers to accessing the protections and assistance they deserve.  That is why as my Administration has worked to bolster the rights, services, and support for all victims of crime, we have particularly focused on at-risk communities.  I was proud to sign the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which included additional provisions to help immigrants and Native American communities, as well as new protections to ensure victims do not face discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity when they seek assistance.  And we are investing in training programs for law enforcement and other professionals who assist underserved individuals.

My Administration is committed to standing up for the rights of those affected by all types of crime, and we are taking action to stop crime before it happens.  Last year, I established the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault to improve efforts to prevent and effectively respond to sexual assault on our Nation's campuses.  The Federal Government is developing new tools to assist victims of economic and financial crimes.  We are also working to implement the recommendations from my Task Force on 21st Century Policing, which generated a series of practical, commonsense proposals to help reduce crime while building public trust.  And we continue our work to reduce other violent and heinous crimes -- such as human trafficking, elder abuse, and violence against persons with disabilities -- and to improve access to necessary services for the victims of these crimes.

When communities come together to declare that crime is not tolerated, to empower victims, and to work toward a brighter tomorrow, it gives new life to our democracy and our system of justice.  During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we lift up service providers, criminal justice professionals, and all who are committed to improving efforts to prevent and respond to the effects of crime.  Together, let us rededicate ourselves to the important work of supporting victims' rights and continue our efforts to build a safer, stronger, more just future for all Americans.

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 19 through April 25, 2015, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week.  I call upon all Americans to observe this week by participating in events that raise awareness of victims' rights and services, and by volunteering to serve victims in their time of need.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of April, 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

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 14, 2015

Presidential Proclamation -- Day of Remembrance for President Abraham Lincoln

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

President Abraham Lincoln believed that we are, at heart, one Nation and one people. At a time when America was torn apart and our very future was in doubt, he knew our country was more than a collection of States, and that we shared a bond that would not break. One hundred fifty years after President Lincoln's death, Americans join together across the Union he saved to honor his memory and celebrate the freedom for which he gave his last full measure of devotion.

A self-taught man, rugged rail-splitter, and humble lawyer from Springfield, Illinois, President Lincoln believed in the fierce independence that lies at the heart of the American experience. But he also knew that together, we can do great things -- that it is through the accumulated toil and sacrifice of ordinary women and men that our country is perfected and our liberty preserved.

President Lincoln understood the immense sacrifices required to give meaning to our founding principles. With enduring faith and steady resolve, he led our Nation through Civil War, knowing the blood shed was in painful service to those same ideals. He sought to reunite our people not only in Government, but also in a freedom that knew no bounds of color or creed. It was in this spirit that he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, forever joining the cause of our Union with the advancement of liberty. As our Nation gave birth to a new era of freedom, President Lincoln charted a course that would help bind the wounds of a divided country and bring healing to a people who desperately needed it.

Even while his Presidency was characterized by war, his ambition was a just and lasting peace. Amid the discord of great conflict, President Lincoln demonstrated the wisdom to look forward. He knew a united America could serve the hopes of all its people if they seized the opportunity of their time. He established land-grant colleges and committed to a railroad connecting East to West, even as he fought to hold together North and South. He fueled new enterprises with a national currency, spurred innovation, and ignited America's imagination with a National Academy of Sciences.

As we reflect on the Great Emancipator, we are reminded that we will be remembered for what we choose to make of the moment we are given. President Lincoln has passed on a tremendous legacy to us, and we too are called to do great things. His example gives us confidence that whatever trials await us, this Nation and the freedom we cherish can, and will, prevail. Today, we reflect on the extraordinary progress he made possible, and with one voice, we rededicate ourselves to the work of ensuring a Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

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 15, 2015, as a Day of Remembrance for President Abraham Lincoln. I call upon all Americans to honor his life and legacy with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. I also call upon the Governors of the United States and its Territories, and appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on the Day of Remembrance for President Abraham Lincoln. I further encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes and businesses on that day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of April, 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

 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 13, 2015

Presidential Proclamation -- National Equal Pay Day, 2015

NATIONAL EQUAL PAY DAY, 2015

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

In the United States, the promise of opportunity is built on the idea that everyone who works hard should have the chance to get ahead.  This creed is at the core of our democracy, and it is central to our belief that America does best when all people are able to share in our Nation's prosperity and contribute to our success.  Yet every day, countless women perform the same work as their male colleagues only to earn less than their fair share.  On National Equal Pay Day, we mark how far into the new year women would have to work just to earn the same as men did in the previous year, and we renew our efforts to end this injustice.

On average, full-time working women earn 78 cents for every dollar earned by men, and women of color face an even greater disparity.  This wage gap puts women at a career-long disadvantage, and it harms families, communities, and our entire economy.  Today, in more than half of all households, women are breadwinners -- 49 million children depend on women's salaries.  But our economy and our policies have not caught up to this reality.  When women experience pay discrimination it limits their future, and it also hurts the people they provide for.  It means less for their families' everyday needs, for investments in their children's futures, and for their own retirements.  These effects reduce our shared prosperity and restrict our Nation's economic growth.  Wage inequality affects us all, and we each must do more to make certain that women are full and equal participants in our economy.

When we take action to help women succeed, we help America succeed, and my Administration is committed to ensuring women have every opportunity to reach their fullest potential.  The first bill I signed as President was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and the following year -- to crack down on violations of equal pay laws -- I created the National Equal Pay Task Force, which to date has helped women recover millions of dollars in lost wages.  If workers do not know they are underpaid, they cannot challenge the inequality; that is why we are going to require Federal contractors to submit data on employee compensation, including data by sex and race, and why last year I signed an Executive Order prohibiting Federal contractors from retaliating against employees who choose to discuss their pay.  And I continue to call on the Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act to protect all people's fundamental right to a fair wage.

In the last half-century, our economy has changed in many ways for the better because of the increased participation of women.  But our values are not yet fully reflected in how we pay women.  We tell our daughters that in America there are no limits to what they can achieve -- yet their mothers face persistent barriers to equality and success.  We have to do better because our daughters deserve better.  If we come together, we can change the policies and attitudes that hold women back, and we can fix this.  On this day, we recommit to making equal pay a reality, and we continue our work to build a world where all our children are limited only by the size of their dreams and the power of their imaginations.

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, 2015, as National Equal Pay Day.  I call upon all Americans to recognize the full value of women's skills and their significant contributions to the labor force, acknowledge the injustice of wage inequality, and join efforts to achieve equal pay.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of April, 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