The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 14, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A.

EDUCATION AND SHARING DAY, U.S.A., 2011

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

The future of our Nation depends on our ability to instill in future generations the values that will help them write the next proud chapter of the American story -- a dedication to knowledge and a sense of compassion for their fellow citizens.  As we celebrate Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., we recommit to preparing our sons and daughters to thrive with principle and purpose in the 21st century.

Over the next decade, nearly half of all new jobs will require advanced training or a college degree.  Ensuring our children meet this standard will take the collective commitment of parents, teachers, and communities coming together to instill a love of learning in our young people.  By doing so, we can unlock every child's potential and give them the chance to fulfill their dreams, while laying the foundation for our country's continued prosperity.

Education alone, however, cannot fully prepare our children to stand at the helm of our Nation.  In an increasingly interconnected world, America remains a beacon of hope for many across the globe because of our open hearts during times of extraordinary challenge and our dedication to our common humanity.  We must nurture these traits in our children to ensure America continues to be a symbol of promise to the world.

On Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., we celebrate the example set by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who dedicated his life to improving education and fostering goodwill for all people.  His legacy continues to inspire individuals to carry forward his effort to build a brighter future.  Each year, Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., reminds us of our obligation to create opportunities for a better tomorrow -- life lessons we pass on to all our children.

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, 2011, 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 fourteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 12, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--Civil War Sesquicentennial

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

On April 12, 1861, artillery guns boomed across Charleston Harbor in an attack on Fort Sumter. These were the first shots of a civil war that would stretch across 4 years of tremendous sacrifice, with over 3 million Americans serving in battles whose names reach across our history. The meaning of freedom and the very soul of our Nation were contested in the hills of Gettysburg and the roads of Antietam, the fields of Manassas and the woods of the Wilderness. When the terrible and costly struggle was over, a new meaning was conferred on our country's name -- the United States of America. We might be tested, but whatever our fate might be, it would be as one Nation.

The Civil War was a conflict characterized by legendary acts of bravery in the face of unprecedented carnage. Those who lived in these times -- from the resolute African American soldier volunteering his life for the liberation of his fellow man to the determined President secure in the rightness of his cause -- brought a new birth of freedom to a country still mending its divisions.

On this milestone in American history, we remember the great cost of the unity and liberty we now enjoy, causes for which so many have laid down their lives. Though America would struggle to extend equal rights to all our citizens and carry out the letter of our laws after the war, the sacrifices of soldiers, sailors, Marines, abolitionists, and countless other Americans would bring a renewed significance to the liberties established by our Founders. When the guns fell silent and the fate of our Nation was secured, blue and gray would unite under one flag and the institution of slavery would be forever abolished from our land.

As a result of the sacrifice of millions, we would extend the promise and freedom enshrined in our Constitution to all Americans. Through the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, we would prohibit slavery and indentured servitude, establish equal protection under the law, and extend the right to vote to former slaves. We would reach for a more perfect Union together as Americans, bound by the collective threads of history and our common hopes for the future.

We are the United States of America -- we have been tested, we have repaired our Union, and we have emerged stronger. As we respond to the critical challenges of our time, let us do so as adherents to the enduring values of our founding and stakeholders in the promise of a shared tomorrow.

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 12, 2011, as the first day of the Civil War Sesquicentennial. I call upon all Americans to observe this Sesquicentennial with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor the legacy of freedom and unity that the Civil War bestowed upon our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

                                 BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 11, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--National Equal Pay Day

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION

Generations of women have fought for the advancement of their sisters, daughters, and themselves in acts of great courage -- reaching for and winning the right to vote, breaking barriers in America's universities and boardrooms, and flooding the modern workforce with skilled talent. While our Nation has come far, obstacles continue to exist for working women, who still earn less on average than working men. Each year, National Equal Pay Day reflects how far into the current year women must work to match what men earned in the previous year. On National Equal Pay Day, we rededicate ourselves to carrying forward the fight for true economic equality for all, regardless of gender.

When the Equal Pay Act was signed into law in 1963, women earned 59 cents for every dollar earned by men. Though women today are more likely than men to attend and graduate from college, women still earn an average of only about 77 cents for every dollar a man earns. Even when accounting for factors such as experience, education, industry, and hours, this wage gap persists. Over the course of her lifetime, this gap will cost a woman and her family lost wages, reduced pensions, and diminished Social Security benefits. Though we have made great strides, wage discrimination is real and women are still more likely to live in poverty. These inequities remind us to work even harder to close the gaps that still exist.

At a time when families across this country are struggling to make ends meet, National Equal Pay Day reminds us that achieving equal pay for equal work is not just a women's issue -- it is a family issue. In today's world, women represent both powerful consumers and vital wage earners. Women make up nearly half of the labor force and mothers are the primary or co-breadwinners in two-thirds of families. When women are not paid fairly, the families that depend on their earnings suffer.

That is why one of my first acts as President was to sign the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, a law that empowers women who have been discriminated against in their salaries to have their day in court to make it right. I established the National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force to identify persistent challenges to equal pay enforcement and ensure equal pay laws are vigorously enforced throughout our country. My Administration also published Women in America: Indicators of Social and Economic Well-Being, the first comprehensive Federal report on the status of American women in almost 50 years, which documents that although women have higher graduation rates than men at all academic levels, the wage gap still persists. We are pursuing these efforts because of the simple fact that when women are paid fairly, our whole Nation will benefit.

Achieving equal pay for women is vital to strengthening the future prosperity of our country. For the sake of our daughters and granddaughters, we must renew our commitment to eliminating the barriers women face in the workforce and give both women and men the opportunity to reach greater heights.

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 12, 2011, 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 discrimination, and join efforts to achieve equal pay.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

                      BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 08, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2011
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By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

     The men and women of the United States Armed Forces have faced innumerable challenges while dedicating their lives to the defense of our liberties.  Contending with perilous combat zones, deployment overseas, and long absences from home, generations of service members have answered America's call in its hour of need.  On National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, a grateful Nation acknowledges a debt that can never be repaid and honors those who faced the most unfathomable of challenges with the utmost bravery and conviction.

     We pay solemn tribute to those American sons and daughters who have endured unimaginable hardship at the hands of foreign captors.  Often faced with deplorable physical and mental treatment, the tremendous personal sacrifice of these warriors exemplifies the highest of ideals ‑‑ honor, duty, and selfless service.  We also pay tribute to the families and friends of these service members, who embody the same qualities of bravery and sacrifice exhibited by their loved ones, and bear a burden silently measured in sleepless nights and missed birthdays.

     America cherishes those veterans who have returned home after imprisonment on foreign soil.  We remain dedicated to fulfilling the sacred trust to care for all who have borne the battle.  This day and every day, each of these heroes holds a special place of honor in our hearts and the well‑earned support of a thankful Nation.

     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 9, 2011, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day.  I call upon all Americans to observe this day of remembrance by honoring our service members, veterans, and all American prisoners of war.  I also call upon Federal, State, and local government officials and organizations to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 08, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--National Crime Victims' Rights Week

NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK, 2011
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

     Though our homes and neighborhoods are safer than they have been in decades, millions of Americans still become victims of crime each year.  For many citizens, a sense of security remains painfully elusive, and wemust continue to fight crime wherever it exists.

     During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we renew our commitment to assisting those who have been victimized by crime and supporting those who help survivors rebuild their lives.  Crisis counselors, law enforcement professionals, legal advocates, safe haven staff, and other service providers help victims meet basic needs and find renewed hope for their future.

     My Administration remains focused on advancing the progress made in preventing crime and enforcing the rights of its survivors.  We have shined a light on hidden crimes like cyberbullying, online child sexual exploitation, and sexual assault on college campuses.  Through the President's Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, we are coordinating efforts to address this heinous offense and support its victims.  The Tribal Law and Order Act I signed into law last year gives Native communities new tools to fight crime and greater resources to assist American Indian and Alaska Native women who have been the victims of sexual assault or domestic abuse.

To avoid the recurrence of another financial crisis, we are also working to prevent and prosecute financial crimes.  My Administration's Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force helps combat fraud and restore losses suffered by individuals affected by predatory lending, mortgage fraud, and other deceptive financial practices.

For assistance, resources, or additional information, Americans can visit:  www.CrimeVictims.gov.  As we commemorate National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we reaffirm our pledge to join in supporting crime victims and creating safer communities.

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 10 through April 16, 2011, 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 eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 08, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--Pan American Day and Pan American Week

Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2011
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By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

     Throughout Pan American Day and Pan American Week, we celebrate the close partnerships across our hemisphere that advance the ability of our citizens to enjoy freedom and reach for their highest aspirations.  Every day, the future is being forged by the countries and peoples of the Americas.  The world must now recognize the Americas as a whole as a dynamic and growing region, because the Americas are democratic and at peace, and we are coming together to address shared challenges.  Increasingly, our hemisphere is contributing to global prosperity and security.  The bonds between our people are rooted not only in mutual respect and shared interests and responsibilities, but also in common values.  As the nations of the Americas continue to grow, progress, and address the challenges of our day, our friendships will be more important than ever to attaining and maintaining security and prosperity for all.

     This year, the Americas can celebrate milestones that have strengthened the ties between our societies.  More than 60 years ago, our nations came together in an Organization of American States and declared that "representative democracy is an indispensable condition for the stability, peace, and development of the region."  A decade ago, we reaffirmed this principle, with an Inter‑American Democratic Charter that stated "the people of the Americas have a right to democracy and their governments have an obligation to promote and defend it."  This year, we also observe the United Nations' and the Organization of American States' designation of 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent, an opportunity to recognize the myriad ways that men and women of African descent have strengthened our countries and enriched our societies.

     The Americas demonstrate to countries around the world the strength of democracy as a means of supporting people's yearnings for freedom and the pursuit of happiness, but we know our work is far from finished.  Many citizens in our region live in poverty or lack access to jobs and economic opportunity, and some suffer injustice and human rights violations, including freedom of expression.  In Haiti and in other places where natural disasters have struck, many lack access to basic necessities.  As we come together to build our economies, increase cooperation on citizen security and trade, and promote democracy, we know our friendships, partnerships, and shared principles will help us overcome today's challenges and build a safer and more prosperous future.

     As we celebrate Pan American Day and Pan American Week, let us reemphasize the cooperation between all nations of the Americas as a vital part of our interconnected world.  Together, we will continue to build on our partnerships of equality and shared responsibility and demonstrate that change is possible, every nation can be free, and there can be no denying the dignity and human rights our countries uphold.

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, 2011, as Pan American Day and April 10 through April 16, 2011, as Pan American Week.  I urge the Governors of the 50 States, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the officials of 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 eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 07, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--National Volunteer Week

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK, 2011

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

America's story has been marked by the service of volunteers.  Generations of selfless individuals from all walks of life have served each other and our Nation, each person dedicated to making tomorrow better than today.  They exemplify the quintessential American idea that we can change things, make things better, and solve problems when we work together.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of our schools and shelters, hospitals and hotlines, and faith-based and community groups.  From mentoring at-risk youth and caring for older Americans to supporting our veterans and military families and rebuilding after disasters, these everyday heroes make a real and lasting impact on the lives of millions of women and men across the globe.

Last year, nearly 63 million Americans gave of themselves through service.  Their compassion is a testament to the generosity of the American spirit.  In difficult times, Americans are coming together -- tackling our challenges instead of ignoring them -- and renewing the principle that we are our brother's keeper and our sister's keeper.

Today, as many Americans face hardship, we need volunteers more than ever.  Service opportunities tap the energy and ingenuity of our greatest resource -- the American people -- to improve our neighborhoods and our world.  My Administration is committed to investing in community solutions and increasing opportunities for Americans to serve.  The bipartisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act strengthened the programs of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which engage millions of citizens each year in service through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America.  We are building the capacity of organizations and communities to tackle their own problems by investing in social innovation and volunteer cultivation.  And through United We Serve, a national call to service, we are making it easier for women and men of all ages to find volunteer opportunities or create their own projects where they see a need.

During National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the profound impact of volunteers and encourage all Americans to discover their own power to make a difference.  Every one of us has a role to play in making our communities and our country stronger.  I encourage all Americans to help us renew progress and prosperity and build a brighter future for our Nation by visiting www.Serve.gov to find a local project.

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 10 through April 16, 2011, as National Volunteer Week.  I call upon all Americans to observe this week by volunteering in service projects across our country and pledging to make service a part of their daily lives.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 06, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--National D.A.R.E. Day

A Proclamation

     As a Nation, we must work to raise a drug‑free and healthy generation of 21st‑century leaders.  Substance abuse and its consequences have grave impacts on our society ‑‑ destroying lives, tearing apart families, and introducing drug‑related violence to our neighborhoods.  Young Americans especially need the help and support of caring adults to resist pressure to use drugs or engage in other harmful activities.

     We must address the use of illegal drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, as well as prescription drug abuse, among youth by building knowledge of the warning signs and risks associated with substance abuse.  Though parents must take the lead in teaching the value of drug‑free living, friends, mentors, teachers, and neighbors also have roles to play in helping adolescents understand the dangers of alcohol and drug addiction.  By joining together to tackle this issue and encourage positive behavior, communities can help young people reject the pressure to try illicit substances or engage in other hazardous activity.  I encourage students, caregivers, and other concerned individuals to visit www.DrugAbuse.gov for educational materials on the health effects and consequences of drug abuse and addiction.

     Law enforcement is often a critical partner in implementing community‑based drug abuse prevention strategies.  The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, in addition to many other prevention efforts across our country, serves as a resource in helping educate young people on how to resist peer pressure and refrain from drug use and violence.

     My Administration is committed to reducing drug use and its consequences through a balanced approach that includes prevention, treatment, and law enforcement, and we are supporting national efforts to prevent drug use before it starts.  As we work to reduce substance abuse and the great damage it causes in our communities, we will make our country stronger and our people healthier and safer.

     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 7, 2011, as National D.A.R.E. Day.  I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs and activities.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

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The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 01, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--World Autism Awareness Day

A PROCLAMATION

     With autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) affecting nearly one percent of children in the United States, autism is an urgent public health issue with a profound impact on millions of Americans.  World Autism Awareness Day is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of individuals with ASDs and rededicate ourselves to the cause of understanding and responding to autism.

     Men and women on the autism spectrum have thrived and excelled in communities across America and around the world.  Yet, despite great progress in understanding ASDs, challenges remain for these individuals and their loved ones.  For too long, the needs of people living with autism and their families have gone without adequate support and understanding.  While we continue to encourage the development of resources for children on the autism spectrum and provide necessary resources for their families, we must also remember that young people with ASDs become adults with ASDs who deserve our support, our respect, and the opportunity to realize their highest aspirations.

     As our understanding of the autism spectrum grows, my Administration remains dedicated to supporting children and adults impacted by autism.  Led by the Department of Health and Human Services, we have expanded investments in autism research, public health tracking, early detection, and services -- from early intervention for children to improved long-term services and support programs for adults.  My Administration maintains a firm commitment to advance autism research and treatment, as well as promote education, employment, and equality for all individuals with autism, from early childhood through employment and community life.  We will continue to work with the Congress, experts, and families to improve Federal and State programs that assist individuals with ASDs and their families and to bolster the impact and reach of community support and services.  I encourage all Americans to visit www.HHS.gov/autism for more information and resources on ASDs.

     With each breakthrough in research and each innovative treatment, we open endless possibilities for the many American families who have been touched by autism.  As we mark World Autism Awareness Day, let us recommit to improving the lives of individuals and families impacted by ASDs and creating a world free from discrimination where all can achieve their fullest potential.

     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 2 of each year as World Autism Awareness Day.  I call upon the people of the United States to learn more about autism and what they can do to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 31, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--National Financial Literacy Month

A Proclamation

     Americans' ability to build a secure future for themselves and their families requires the navigation of an increasingly complex financial system.  As we recover from the worst economic crisis in generations, it is more important than ever to be knowledgeable about the consequences of our financial decisions.  During National Financial Literacy Month, we recommit to improving financial literacy and ensuring all Americans have access to trustworthy financial services and products.

     The financial crisis was fueled by a lack of responsibility from Wall Street to Washington.  It devastated ordinary Americans, many of whom were caught by hidden fees and penalties or saddled with loans they could not afford.  Preventing a recurrence will require both better behavior and oversight on Wall Street and more informed decisionmaking on Main Street and in homes across our country.  To lay the foundation for continued prosperity, we must expand the availability of financial products and services that are fair, affordable, understandable, and reliable.  We must also strive to ensure all Americans have the skills to manage their fiscal resources effectively and avoid deceptive or predatory practices.

     Building on the important protections in the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act, the Dodd‑Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which I signed into law last year, will help restore financial stability by enforcing the strongest consumer financial protections in history.  This Act created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency with one job -- to look out for the interests of Americans as they interact with the financial system.  My Administration also established the President's Advisory Council on Financial Capability to assist the American people in understanding and addressing financial matters and to identify effective approaches to increase financial capability through education and access.  Additionally, the National Strategy for Financial Literacy provides a new framework for strategic coordination and an overarching financial literacy strategy.

     While our Government is taking decisive action to promote financial stability, our Nation's prosperity will ultimately depend on our willingness as individuals to empower ourselves and our families with financial knowledge.  For more information on improving financial literacy, concerned individuals may visit www.MyMoney.gov or www.ConsumerFinance.gov, or call toll-free 1‑888‑MyMoney for guidance and resources.

     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 2011 as National Financial Literacy Month.  I call upon all Americans to observe this month with programs and activities to improve their understanding of financial principles and practices.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA