The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 30, 2015

Presidential Proclamation -- Education and Sharing Day, 2015

EDUCATION AND SHARING DAY, U.S.A., 2015

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION

In every child -- every girl dreaming big dreams and every boy hungry to make something of himself -- there exists limitless potential.  Our young people are the problem-solvers, thinkers, and visionaries of tomorrow who will change the world as we know it, and they deserve the chance to fulfill their enormous promise, no matter who they are or where they live. A good education can open the door to opportunity, and it should be within the reach of all who yearn for the chance to develop their minds and talents.  Today, we celebrate the transformative power of education and honor a man who inspired a passion for learning among a generation of students.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, dedicated his life to promoting education as the cornerstone of humanity.  A tireless advocate for youth around the world, he believed that "as long as there is still one child that does not receive an adequate education, we can neither be satisfied nor slacken our efforts."  In an era where a woman's education was not valued the same as a man's, the Rebbe worked to tear down barriers that stood in the way of girls who wanted to learn.  He established a Jewish organization for women and directed his teachings of service and scholarship equally to young girls and boys.  He was even known to write, "There must be a girl!" on educational materials that depicted only boys.

Because of leaders like the Rebbe, we have made great strides toward achieving quality education for all -- but his legacy is not only a story of progress, it is also a call to remember his words and take up this unfinished task.  Today, 62 million girls around the world who should be in school are not.  Children who deserve an education, who have the power to change the course of history, face unacceptable obstacles because of their gender, the circumstances of their birth, or the customs of their society.

If we want to strengthen families and communities, bolster economic growth, and promote stability worldwide, we must work to increase the number of girls in school and empower all children with the resources they need to reach for a brighter future.  This is not only a humanitarian issue; it is also critical to our security and global economic prosperity.  That is why First Lady Michelle Obama and I recently launched a new initiative called Let Girls Learn.  As part of this effort, my Administration will be supporting hundreds of community-driven projects around the world that will build on investments we have made and successes we have achieved in global primary school education.  At the same time, we are making it clear to any country who wants to work with us that they must address the challenges preventing young women from attending and completing school -- such as fees, threats of violence, and the false belief that girls are not worthy of an education.

We are committed to making a global and generational impact, but Let Girls Learn is also about reminding Americans about the importance of high-quality education for all.  As we help lift up children worldwide, my Administration will continue to fight for every young person here at home.  We will not let up on our efforts to deliver the best possible education to all people in the United States, including our work to expand access to high-quality preschool to every child and provide our Nation's classrooms with the best technology.  And we are expanding our strategy to make higher education more affordable  by promoting a Student Aid Bill of Rights and calling for 2 years of free community college for anyone who is willing to work for it.

Across the globe, girls have pushed forward to pursue an education in the face of poverty and threats to their safety.  They are bold, ambitious, and undeterred by immense challenges. Today, we are called to meet their resolve with a commitment worthy of their character.  On Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., we recognize educators, pioneers of change, and all those who have unlocked the spark of something extraordinary within a child, and we rededicate ourselves to building a world where the destiny of every young person is limited only by the size of their dreams and the power of their imagination.

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 March 31, 2015, as Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A.  I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of March, 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
March 30, 2015

Presidential Proclamation -- Cesar Chavez Day, 2015

 

CÉSAR CHÁVEZ DAY, 2015
 
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 
A PROCLAMATION

For more than two centuries, the arc of our Nation's progress has been shaped by ordinary people who have dedicated their lives to the extraordinary work of building a more perfect Union.  It is a story of achievement and constant striving that has found expression in places where America's destiny has been decided -- in Seneca Falls, Selma, and Stonewall, and in the golden fields of California where an American hero discovered his mighty voice.  Today, we honor César Chávez and his lifetime of work to make our country more free, more fair, and more just, and we reaffirm the timeless belief he embodied:  those who love their country can change it.

A son of migrant workers and a child of the Great Depression, César Chávez believed every job has dignity and every person should have the chance to reach beyond his or her circumstances and realize a brighter future.  When no one seemed to care about the farm workers who labored without basic protections and for meager pay to help feed the world, César Chávez awakened our Nation to their deplorable conditions and abject poverty -- injustices he knew firsthand.  He organized, protested, fasted, and alongside Dolores Huerta, founded the United Farm Workers.  Slowly, he grew a small movement to a 10,000-person march and eventually a 17-million-strong boycott of table grapes, rallying a generation around "La Causa" and forcing growers to agree to some of the first farm worker contracts in history.  Guided by a fierce commitment to nonviolence in support of a righteous cause, he never lost faith in the power of opportunity for all.

As a Nation, we know the struggle to live up to the principles of our founding does not end with any one victory or defeat.  After César Chávez fought for higher wages, he pushed for fresh drinking water, workers' compensation, pension plans, and protection from pesticides.  He strove every day for the America he knew was possible.  Today, we must take up his work and carry forward this great unfinished task.

When immigrants labor in the shadows, they often earn unfair wages and their families and our economy suffer -- that is one reason why we have to fix our broken immigration system and why I keep calling on the Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform.  We need to continue to defend the collective bargaining rights countless individuals have fought so hard for and ensure our economy rewards hard work with a fair living wage, paid leave, and equal pay for equal work.  

César Chávez knew that when you lift up one person, it enriches a community; it bolsters our economy, strengthens our Nation, and gives meaning to the creed that out of many, we are one.  As we celebrate his life, we are reminded of our obligations to one another and the extraordinary opportunity we are each given to work toward justice, equal opportunity, and a better future for every one of our sisters and brothers.

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 March 31, 2015, as César Chávez Day.  I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate service, community, and education programs to honor César Chávez's enduring legacy.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of March, 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
March 24, 2015

Presidential Proclamation -- Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2015

GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY:  A NATIONAL DAY OF CELEBRATION OF
GREEK AND AMERICAN DEMOCRACY, 2015

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Since the dawn of our Nation, the United States and Greece have shared a bond forged through common struggle and deeply rooted in mutual beliefs.  Greek principles guided our Founders as they declared America's independence, and nearly half a century later, as Greek revolutionaries fought to throw off the yoke of an empire, they renewed the creed that unites free people everywhere:  ordinary citizens can govern themselves.  Today, we celebrate the Hellenic spirit that has inspired our two great nations -- separated by an ocean but linked by a shared destiny written not for us, but by us.

It was the democratic example of ancient Greece from which the founding generation of Americans drew strength.  In our Nation's earliest days, we sought wisdom from Greek history and philosophy, and we found hope within the pages of timeless Greek texts.  Mindful of the lessons of the Hellenic story, courageous patriots undertook a bold experiment, securing the blessings of liberty and laying the foundation for more than two centuries of progress.

But even in the cradle of democracy, the promise of freedom was not preordained.  More than 2,000 years after the values of self-determination first found expression in a small group of Hellenic city-states, the Greek people stood up against tyranny and sacrificed to restore democracy to its birthplace.  They met brutal hardship with unbreakable character, drew inspiration from America's revolution, and never lost faith in the ideals Greece has always represented.

As Americans and Greeks, we are heirs to a long legacy of hard-won freedom and justice -- values which we must not only preserve, but renew and refresh in our own time.  Generations of Greek Americans have enriched the United States and strengthened our communities.  Their heritage and vibrant culture are reflected in our story of achievement and constant striving; their voices are among the chorus of citizens who have driven this country inexorably forward.  Today, as Greece works to lay a foundation for long-term prosperity, our Nation continues to support our friend and NATO ally and to help the Greek people reach for the future so many have sought -- one where all women and men are free to pursue their dreams, realize their potential, and secure a brighter tomorrow for their children.

Together, we continue the righteous task of perfecting our two nations.  On the 194th anniversary of Greek independence, let us celebrate the enduring ties between our peoples and stand with those around the world who long for liberty and the chance to join in the noble work of building a democracy.

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 March 25, 2015, as Greek Independence Day:  A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.  I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of March, 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
March 13, 2015

Presidential Proclamation --National Poison Prevention Week, 2015

NATIONAL POISON PREVENTION WEEK, 2015

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION 

Household and environmental poisons pose risks to Americans of all ages.  While children under age 6 account for half of all cases of poison exposure, more than 90 percent of poisoning deaths occur among people over the age of 20.  Poisonings are more common and more deadly than many people realize -- but they are often avoidable and treatable, and every person can take action to guard against these preventable tragedies.  During National Poison Prevention Week, we raise awareness of the precautions each person can take to protect their loved ones, as well as what to do in the event of a poison emergency.

Most poisonings take place at home where cleaning products, cosmetics, and other chemicals are stored.  That is why it is important for parents and caregivers to keep poisonous items out of their children's sight and reach.  These items should be properly labeled and stored in their original containers -- especially medicine, which is a major source of poisoning among young people and adults.  Before taking medication, whether over-the-counter or prescribed, Americans should ensure they understand the instructions, including the proper dosage and how to avoid unsafe drug interactions, and discuss any questions with a doctor or pharmacist.  Everyone should also be aware of local environmental poisons, including plants, insects, and berries; practice safe food preparation and handling to avoid food poisoning; and guard against carbon monoxide by installing detectors for this colorless, odorless gas.

If you suspect someone has been poisoned, fast action is essential.  Do not wait for signs of poisoning.  You should immediately call the toll-free Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.  The Poison Help line can also connect you with experts to discuss questions about medication and other non-emergency situations.  Last year, I was proud to sign the Poison Center Network Act, which reauthorized funding for the Poison Help line and also supported poison control centers and nationwide efforts to raise awareness about poison prevention and the resources available in local communities.

Education and awareness about poisons can save lives.  I encourage all people to speak out about the importance of poison prevention and discuss these commonsense steps with their loved ones, coworkers, and neighbors.  To learn more, visit www.PoisonHelp.HRSA.gov.  Information about safe drug disposal is available at www.DEAdiversion.USDOJ.gov.

To encourage Americans to learn more about the dangers of accidental poisonings and to take appropriate preventative measures, the Congress, by joint resolution approved September 26, 1961, as amended (75 Stat. 681) has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the third week of March each year as "National Poison Prevention Week."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 15 through March 21, 2015, as National Poison Prevention Week.  I call upon all Americans to observe this week by taking actions to protect their families from hazardous household materials and misuse of prescription medicines.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of March, 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
February 27, 2015

Presidential Proclamation -- National Consumer Protection Week, 2015

NATIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTION WEEK, 2015

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

As Americans, we believe that our destiny is written by us -- not for us -- and that ours is a country where hard work should pay off and responsibility should be rewarded.  Through all of the challenges we have overcome and the grueling work required to bring our economy out of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, we have held on to that promise.  Yet each day, fraud, abuse, and theft threaten the economic well-being of individuals and families across our Nation who spend their lives striving to build a sense of security.  During National Consumer Protection Week, we redouble our efforts to protect Americans from financial fraud and identity theft, and to ensure our economy gives every person a chance to succeed.

Over the past 6 years, my Administration has been committed to protecting the hard-earned money and privacy of our citizens.  In today's digital age, we are more connected and do more online than ever before.  Unfortunately, the very technologies that empower us to do great good can also be used to undermine us and inflict great harm.  That is why my Administration is working to create a single, strong national standard so people know when their information has been stolen or misused, and why we are encouraging companies to equip consumers with their credit scores free of charge so they can quickly detect and deal with fraud.  I also continue to call on the Congress to enact overdue cybersecurity legislation that will help protect Americans -- particularly by clarifying companies' obligations when sensitive data is breached.

As part of our BuySecure Initiative, the Federal Government is leading the way by transitioning to a more secure chip and PIN payment system -- because you should be able to visit our National Parks or use the Postal Service without risking your identity.  Earlier this year, we convened the first-ever White House Summit on Cybersecurity and Consumer Protection, and we are taking new steps to assist the victims of identity theft. Furthermore, Americans who responsibly prepare for retirement should not be taken advantage of, so we are proposing a new rule to require retirement advisors to put their clients' financial interests before their own.  We have also introduced a discussion draft of legislation for a new Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights to safeguard basic principles that both defend personal privacy and allow industry to keep innovating.

Consumers can also take steps to protect themselves and their families.  Predatory and deceptive lending practices, identity theft, financial scams, and fraud can cause lasting devastation for victims.  By empowering ourselves with information about our rights and the resources available to us, we can be prepared and make better-informed decisions.  I encourage everyone to visit www.NCPW.gov and www.IdentityTheft.gov to learn more about the risks and vulnerabilities we all face, as well as the steps we can take to defend ourselves and the tools and support available to help save time, money, and heartache.

When we, as Americans, put our minds together and our shoulders to the wheel, we can accomplish anything.  The United States created the Internet and a new age of information -- but we also pioneered the Bill of Rights, and we believe individuals have a sphere of privacy around them that should not be breached.  This week, let us recommit to safeguarding consumers, and let us strive to grow our economy in ways that preserve the values we hold dear so that each of us has the power to translate our dreams into reality.

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 March 1 through March 7, 2015, as National Consumer Protection Week.  I call upon government officials, industry leaders, and advocates across the Nation to share information about consumer protection and provide our citizens with information about their rights as consumers.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of February, 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
February 27, 2015

Presidential Proclamation -- Women’s History Month

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH, 2015

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Throughout history, extraordinary women have fought tirelessly to broaden our democracy's reach and help perfect our Union.  Through protest and activism, generations of women have appealed to the values at the heart of our Nation and fought to give meaning to the idea that we are all created equal.  As today's women and girls reach for new heights, they stand on the shoulders of all those who have come before and carry forward their legacy of proud achievement.  This month, we celebrate countless pioneering women and the victories they won, and we continue our work to build a society where our daughters have the same possibilities as our sons.

Courageous women have called not only for the absence of oppression, but for the presence of opportunity.  They have demonstrated for justice, but also for jobs -- ones that promise equal pay for equal work.  And they have marched for the right to vote not just so their voices would be heard, but so they could have a seat at the head of the table.  With grit and resolve, they have fought to overcome discrimination and shatter glass ceilings, and after decades of slow, steady, and determined progress, they have widened the circle of opportunity for women and girls across our country.

Today, more women are their family's main breadwinner than ever before.  Women are nearly half of our Nation's workers, and they are increasingly among the most skilled.  At the same time, more than 60 percent of women with children under the age of 5 participate in the labor force.  This increasing participation of women in our workforce has bolstered our economy and strengthened our families, and it has demonstrated that the policies that benefit women and working families benefit all of us.

But not all of the rules that govern our workplaces have caught up with this reality, and today, too many of the opportunities that our mothers and grandmothers fought for are going unrealized.  That is why I am committed to tearing down the barriers to full and equal participation in our economy and society that still exist for too many women.  All women deserve equal pay for equal work and a living wage; the Congress needs to raise the minimum wage and pass a law that ensures a woman is paid the same as a man for doing the same work.  I continue to call for increased workplace flexibility and access to paid leave -- including paid sick leave -- so that hardworking Americans do not have to choose between being productive employees and responsible family members.  And I have proposed a plan that would make quality child care available to every middle-class and low-income family in America with young children.  These are not only women's issues -- they are family issues and national economic priorities.

We know that when women succeed, America succeeds.  The strength of our economy rests on whether we make it possible for every citizen to contribute to our growth and prosperity.  As we honor the many patriots who have shaped not only the destinies of other women, but also the direction of our history, let us resolve to build on their efforts in our own time.  As a Nation, we must join our voices with the chorus of history and push forward with unyielding faith to forge a more equal society for all our daughters and granddaughters -- one where a woman's potential is limited only by the size of her dreams and the power of her imagination.

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 March 2015 as Women's History Month.  I call upon all Americans to observe this month and to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8, 2015, with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.  I also invite all Americans to visit www.WomensHistoryMonth.gov to learn more about the generations of women who have left enduring imprints on our history. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of February, 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
February 27, 2015

Presidential Proclamation -- Irish-American Heritage Month, 2015

IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2015
 
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
 
A PROCLAMATION

The vibrant culture and rich heritage of the Irish people shaped many of the earliest chapters of America's story.  Our common values and shared vision for the future laid the foundation for an eternal friendship between Ireland and the United States, and today, daughters and sons of Erin continue to enrich our Nation.  This month, we reaffirm the bonds of affection between our two great countries, and we honor the courage and perseverance of the Irish-American community.
 
From ethereal green shores, generations of Irishmen and women set out across an ocean to seek a new life in the New World.  Often without family or funds, these brave souls put their faith in the ideas at the heart of our democracy -- that we make our own destiny, and if we work hard and live responsibly, we can build a better future for our children and grandchildren.  Early immigrants from Ireland shaped our founding documents, and in the decades and centuries since, Irish-American heroes -- like the courageous members of the Fighting 69th -- have fought and died to protect a Government of, by, and for the people.
 
Today, tens of millions of Americans proudly trace their heritage to the Emerald Isle.  They are descendants of our Founding Fathers, heirs to a resilient spirit forged during the Great Hunger and painful periods of discrimination, and the latest in a long line of Irish Americans who have poured their energy and passion into perfecting our Union.  With grit and determination, they have enhanced our communities, bolstered our economy, and strengthened our Nation.  And their brogue continues to ring out from our halls of government and every place people strive to make our society more free, more fair, and more just.
 
The Irish story is one of hope and resolve -- in it Americans see our own dreams and aspirations.  Our pasts are bound by blood and belief, by culture and commerce, and our futures are equally, inextricably linked.  During Irish-American Heritage Month, let us celebrate the people-to-people ties between our nations and continue together our work to forge a brighter tomorrow for every American and Irish child.
 
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 March 2015 as Irish-American Heritage Month.  I call upon all Americans to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of February, 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
February 27, 2015

Presidential Proclamation -- Read Across America Day, 2015

READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY, 2015
 
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
 
A PROCLAMATION

As a Nation, one of our greatest responsibilities is to ensure every American child can experience the transformative power of reading.  Literacy is the gateway to all other learning, and it is the most basic building block of opportunity in an economy increasingly built on knowledge and innovation.  On Read Across America Day, we celebrate the ways literacy has enhanced our lives and recommit to empowering every student with a strong start and a passion for reading.
 
The written word provides a window to a larger world.  From prose and poetry, we learn our earliest lessons about tolerance and empathy, and on the pages of great books, children can see for the first time that their potential is limited only by the size of their dreams and the power of their imaginations.  Literature captures moral dilemmas that persist across generations, chronicles our greatest achievements as a people, and reminds us of painful chapters in our past so we do not repeat our mistakes.  In powerful tales and in the voices of complex characters, we learn eternal truths that illuminate the spirit of America and the intimacy of the human condition.
 
Brilliant writers enable us to stand in someone else's shoes and identify with their hopes and struggles -- even if they do not look like us or share our beliefs.  They transport us to distant times and faraway lands, and today we honor a storyteller who brought these new worlds into classrooms and bedrooms all around the globe.  The works of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known to us as Dr. Seuss, have sparked a love for reading in generations of students.  His whimsical wordplay and curious characters inspire children to dream big and remind readers of all ages that "a person's a person no matter how small."
 
Reading is the means by which we discover new ideas and unlock the potential of tomorrow's leaders.  As we recognize the importance of literacy, let us resolve to play a part in developing the next generation of readers and writers.  As mentors, friends, and caring adults, we can raise our voices to support the resources our students need in classrooms and libraries, and take time to engage young people in this critical endeavor.  Together, we can enrich our souls, strengthen our society, and give every child a chance to succeed.
  
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 March 2, 2015, as Read Across America Day.  I call upon children, families, educators, librarians, public officials, and all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of February, 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
February 27, 2015

Presidential Proclamation -- American Red Cross Month, 2015

AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH, 2015
 
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
 
A PROCLAMATION

For more than 130 years, the devoted women and men of the American Red Cross have responded to challenges at home and abroad with compassion and generosity.  In times of conflict and great tragedy, they deliver humanitarian relief, save lives, and offer hope for a brighter tomorrow.  Their service has meant so much to so many, and it reflects a fundamental American truth:  we look out for one another and we do not leave anyone behind.  This month, we renew our sense of common purpose and honor all those whose sacrifices have made our society more prepared, resilient, and united.

As a nurse and educator, Clara Barton dedicated her life to caring for others and alleviating suffering.  After years of tending to soldiers and families in their hour of need, she established the American Red Cross, creating a force for peace and recovery in the wake of the Civil War and opening paths for millions across our Nation to serve their brothers and sisters. In the generations that followed, the American Red Cross and other service and relief organizations have combated pandemics, supported our Armed Forces, and provided disaster relief and mitigation worldwide.

In big cities and rural towns, American Red Cross volunteers support their communities, helping people donate blood, teaching first aid, and increasing local preparedness.  Last year, our Nation once again bore witness to their grit and resolve as thousands mobilized in response to devastating mudslides, tornadoes, wildfires, and other emergencies.  As selfless individuals step forward -- as neighbors assist neighbors, schools transform into shelters, and donations become hot meals and dry clothes -- they carry forward Barton's legacy and safeguard the promise that in moments of darkness, there is hope.  They remind us that when we stand together, America emerges stronger.

Our Nation has always been shaped by ordinary Americans who dedicate their lives to achieving the extraordinary.  During American Red Cross Month, let us ask what we can do for those around us and resolve to make service to others a part of our everyday lives.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America and Honorary Chairman of the American Red Cross, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2015 as American Red Cross Month.  I encourage all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities, and by supporting the work of service and relief organizations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of February, 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
February 27, 2015

Presidential Proclamation -- National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2015

NATIONAL COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH, 2015
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
 
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. This year, more than 130,000 Americans will be diagnosed with this cancer, and nearly 50,000 will die from it. Friends and loved ones will be taken from us too soon by this disease, and the pain of cancer will touch too many families. During National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize all those who have been affected by this disease, and we renew our commitment to a lifesaving endeavor: raising awareness of colorectal cancer and the importance of screening.
 
Colorectal cancer is often preventable, and early detection and treatment are critical. However, this disease does not always cause symptoms, and most colorectal cancer occurs in individuals with no family history. That is why it is crucial for people of all ages to discuss colorectal cancer with their health care providers and understand the recommendations for, and benefits of, screening. And, people between ages 50 and 75 should get regular screenings. Not only can testing save your life, it can also provide peace of mind to your family and loved ones. I encourage Americans to learn more about the risk factors and symptoms of colorectal cancer by visiting www.Cancer.gov.
 
Every American deserves health security, and that is why I fought so hard for the Affordable Care Act. Under the law, more families have access to quality, affordable health care, and most insurance plans are required to cover recommended preventive services without copays, including colorectal cancer screenings for adults over 50. Earlier this year, I also announced the Precision Medicine Initiative to accelerate the design and testing of treatments tailored to individual patients. This bold new effort aims to revolutionize how our Nation fights disease, and it brings us closer to curing cancer.
 
Even as we continue the urgent work of improving care, we cannot fill the void left in the lives of those who know the true anguish of colorectal cancer. This month, we honor the loved ones we have lost to this disease and those who battle it today. Let us stand with their families and all who are committed to advancing the fight against cancer through research, advocacy, and quality care. Together, we can build a future free from cancer in all its forms.
 
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 March 2015 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage all citizens, government agencies,
private businesses, non-profit organizations, and other groups to join in activities that will increase awareness and prevention of colorectal cancer.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of February, 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