The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 31, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--National Cancer Control Month

A PROCLAMATION

      Over the past several decades, our Nation has made significant advances in the fight against cancer.  Improvements in early detection and treatment of this disease have led to decreases in the rates of new cases and deaths, and many people who are diagnosed with cancer are living longer, with better quality of life.  Despite the breadth of our progress, an estimated 1.5 million people were diagnosed with cancer last year, and more than half a million Americans lost their lives to the disease.  During National Cancer Control Month, we renew our commitment to increasing awareness about cancer and reducing the burden of this devastating illness.

     There are simple steps all of us can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones from cancer.  Americans can help reduce their cancer risk with healthy practices such as avoiding excessive sun exposure, limiting alcohol intake, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and making physical activity part of each day.  Exposure to tobacco smoke, even from occasional smoking or secondhand smoke, is particularly harmful.  Americans striving to quit can receive help by calling 1–800–QUIT–NOW or visiting:  www.Smokefree.gov.

     Screening tests can also help reduce the risk of developing certain cancers and help detect the disease early when it is often easier to treat.  Under the Affordable Care Act, new health insurance plans must offer certain screening tests, including Pap tests, mammograms, and colonoscopies, at no extra cost.  I encourage every man and woman to talk with a health professional about available testing and when to begin screenings.  All Americans can visit www.Cancer.gov for more information about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

     My Administration is committed to continuing the advances made in cancer research, prevention, detection, and treatment.  The Healthy People 2020 initiative, which is spearheaded by the Department of Health and Human Services, is tasked with outlining national objectives and benchmarks to measure progress toward improving the health of all Americans.  The goals will provide a roadmap for better health and help focus our Nation's attention on trends in cancer rates, mortality, and survival.

     Americans of every background have been touched by cancer, either through a personal diagnosis or that of a family member or friend, and too many of us understand the terrible toll of this disease.  In memory of loved ones lost to cancer, and in tribute to the survivors and those still fighting this disease,  I call on all Americans to recognize what each of us can do to live longer, healthier lives and to reach for a future free from cancer.

     The Congress of the United States, by joint resolution approved March 28, 1938 (52 Stat. 148; 36 U.S.C. 103), as amended, has requested the President to issue an annual proclamation declaring April as "Cancer Control Month."

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim April 2011 as National Cancer Control Month.  I encourage citizens, Government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other interested groups to join in activities that will increase awareness of what Americans can do to prevent and control cancer.

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

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 31, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--National Child Abuse Prevention Month

A Proclamation

     Our Nation's children are our hope for the future, and caring for them is one of our greatest responsibilities.  During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we renew our commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect by promoting healthy families, protecting children, and supporting communities throughout our Nation.

     Although a strong family unit is the best deterrent to child abuse, effectively intervening in the lives of children threatened by abuse is a shared responsibility.  Strengthening the bonds within families requires community members and leaders to partner with parents.  From schools to local social service agencies, we can work together to protect the well‑being of our children by recognizing the signs of violence and creating safe, stable, and nurturing environments that safeguard the promise of their futures.

     My Administration will continue to reinforce initiatives that enhance the efforts of child protective service agencies to prevent and treat child abuse.  Last December, I was pleased to sign into law the CAPTA (Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment) Reauthorization Act of 2010, giving States and local authorities new tools to identify and address abuse and neglect.  This Act will also bolster prevention efforts by addressing risk factors for mistreatment like substance abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence.  We are also supporting programs that expand coordination of early childhood services in order to improve outcomes for young children.

     As a Nation, we must continue our work to ensure all children have the ability to live free from abuse and neglect by advocating for the safety of all young people.  For more information about what families and communities can do to overcome this devastating problem, concerned Americans can visit:  www.ChildWelfare.gov/Preventing.

     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 Child Abuse Prevention Month.  I call upon all Americans to observe this month with programs and activities that help prevent child abuse and provide for children's physical, emotional, and developmental needs.

     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

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 31, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH, 2011

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Our Nation must continue to confront rape and other forms of sexual violence as a deplorable crime.  Too many victims suffer unaided, and too many offenders elude justice.  As we mark National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, we recommit to building a society where no woman, man, or child endures the fear of assault or the pain of an attack on their physical well being and basic human dignity.

Despite reforms to our legal system, sexual violence remains pervasive and largely misunderstood.  Nearly one in six American women will experience an attempted or completed rape at some point in her life, and for some groups, rates of sexual violence are even higher.  Almost one in three American Indian and Alaska Native women will be sexually assaulted.  Young women ages 16 to 24 are at greatest risk, and an alarming number of young women are sexually assaulted while in college.  Too many men and boys are also affected.  With each new victim and each person still suffering from an attack, we are called with renewed purpose to respond to and rid our Nation of all forms of sexual violence.

Sexual assault is considered to be the most underreported violent crime in America, and criminal justice responses vary widely across our country.  Some communities have developed highly trained, coordinated teams who understand the nature of sexual assault and can respond with compassionate understanding.  In other places, victims hesitate to report these crimes because they fear the criminal justice system will respond with skepticism or fail to bring the perpetrator to justice.  We must ensure our police, prosecutors, and courts treat victims with the seriousness and respect they need and deserve.  We must do more to provide services that help victims recover from the trauma of sexual assault.  And ultimately, we must prevent sexual assault before it happens.

Under Vice President Joe Biden's leadership, my Administration is committed to engaging a broad spectrum of Federal agencies and community partners to prevent sexual assault, support victims, and hold offenders accountable.  The Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women is leading the Sexual Assault Demonstration Initiative to improve the way sexual assault survivors are served.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is funding innovative prevention campaigns that engage bystanders in reducing sexual assault, and the Department of Education is working to combat sexual violence at schools and universities.  We will continue to support new approaches that show promise in changing cultural attitudes toward sexual violence and preventing these crimes.

Each victim of sexual assault represents a sister or a daughter, a nephew or a friend.  We must break the silence so no victim anguishes without resources or aid in their time of greatest need.  We must continue to reinforce that America will not tolerate sexual violence within our borders.  Likewise, we will partner with countries across the globe as we work toward a common vision of a world free from the threat of sexual violence, including as a tool of conflict.  Working together, we can reduce the incidence of sexual assault and heal lives that have already been devastated by this terrible crime.

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 Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.  I urge all Americans to support victims and work together to prevent these crimes in their communities.

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

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 31, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--National Donate Life Month

NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH, 2011

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Americans have always been a generous people, willing to give to others in need.  In these challenging times, that spirit of service has been abundantly evident and has made a real difference in many lives.  As we observe National Donate Life Month, we reflect on an important opportunity to aid others --bestowing the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.

More than 110,000 individuals are now on the national waiting list for organ transplants, and the list continues to grow.  Each year, the number of Americans needing life-saving donations has far outstripped the number of available donors.  As a result, people lose their lives each day while waiting.

When each donation can touch dozens of lives, it has never been more important to make the decision to be an organ and tissue donor.  I encourage all Americans to say yes to donation by giving blood regularly and joining their State-based donor registry.  Individuals can register online or through the registration or renewal process for a driver's license or identification card.  When considering organ donation, Americans should consult their family members, doctor, or faith leader about the decision to donate life.  To find out more about donation and how you can register in your State, be sure to visit:  www.OrganDonor.gov..

Together, we can all make the choice to save and improve the lives of Americans across our country.

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 Donate Life Month.  I call upon health care professionals, volunteers, educators, government agencies, faith-based and community groups, and private organizations to join forces to boost the number of organ and tissue donors throughout our Nation.

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

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 30, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--Cesar Chavez Day

A PROCLAMATION

     Our Nation's story of progress is rich with profound struggle and great sacrifice, marked by the selfless acts and fearless leadership of remarkable Americans.  A true champion for justice, Cesar Chavez advocated for and won many of the rights and benefits we now enjoy, and his spirit lives on in the hands and hearts of working women and men today.  As we celebrate the anniversary of his birth, we honor Cesar Chavez's lasting victories for American workers and his noble methods in achieving them.

     Raised in the fields of Arizona and California, Cesar Chavez faced hardship and injustice from a young age.  At the time, farm workers toiled in the shadows of society, vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.  Families like Chavez's were impoverished; exposed to hazardous working conditions and dangerous pesticides; and often denied clean drinking water, toilets, and other basic necessities.

     Cesar Chavez saw the need for change and made a courageous choice to work to improve the lives of his fellow farm workers.  Through boycotts and fasts, he led others on a path of nonviolence conceived in careful study of the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi and Mahatma Gandhi, and in the powerful example of Martin Luther King, Jr.  He became a community organizer and began his lifelong advocacy to protect and empower people.  With quiet leadership and a powerful voice, Cesar founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) with Dolores Huerta, launching one of our Nation's most inspiring social movements.

     Cesar Chavez's legacy provides lessons from which all Americans can learn.  One person can change the course of a nation and improve the lives of countless individuals.  Cesar once said, "Non-violence is not inaction. . . . Non-violence is hard work.  It is the willingness to sacrifice.  It is the patience to win."  From his inspiring accomplishments, we have learned that social justice takes action, selflessness, and commitment.  As we face the challenges of our day, let us do so with the hope and determination of Cesar Chavez, echoing the words that were his rallying cry and that continue to inspire so many today, "Sí, se puede" – "Yes, we can."

     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 of each year as Cesar Chavez Day.

I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate service, community, and educational programs to honor Cesar Chavez'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 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 24, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--100th Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

      On March 25, 1911, a fire spread through the cramped floors of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in lower Manhattan.  Flames spread quickly through the 8th, 9th, and 10th floors -- overcrowded, littered with cloth scraps, and containing few buckets of water to douse the flames -- giving the factory workers there little time to escape.  When the panicked workers tried to flee, they encountered locked doors and broken fire escapes, and were trapped by long tables and bulky machines.  As bystanders watched in horror, young workers began jumping out of the windows to escape the inferno, falling helplessly to their deaths on the street below.

      By the time the fire was extinguished, nearly 150 individuals had perished in an avoidable tragedy.  The exploited workers killed that day were mostly young women, recent immigrants of Jewish and Italian descent.  The catastrophe sent shockwaves through New York City and the immigrant communities of Manhattan's Lower East Side, where families struggled to recognize the charred remains of their loved ones in makeshift morgues.  The last victims were officially identified just this year.

      A century later, we reflect not only on the tragic loss of these young lives, but also on the movement they inspired.  The Triangle factory fire was a galvanizing moment, calling American leaders to reexamine their approach to workplace conditions and the purpose of unions.  The fire awakened the conscience of our Nation, inspiring sweeping improvements to safety regulations both in New York and across the United States.  The tragedy strengthened the potency of organized labor, which gave voice to previously powerless workers.  A witness to the fire, Frances Perkins carried the gruesome images of that day through a lifetime of advocacy for American workers and into her role as the Secretary of Labor and our country's first female Cabinet Secretary.

      Despite the enormous progress made since the Triangle factory fire, we are still fighting to provide adequate working conditions for all women and men on the job, ensure no person within our borders is exploited for their labor, and uphold collective bargaining as a tool to give workers a seat at the tables of power.  Working Americans are the backbone of our communities and power the engine of our economy.  As we mark the anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, let us resolve to renew the urgency that tragedy inspired and recommit to our shared responsibility to provide a safe environment for all American workers.

      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, 2011, as the 100th Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire.  I call upon all Americans to participate in ceremonies and activities in memory of those who have been killed due to unsafe working conditions.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
      twenty-fourth 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

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 24, 2011

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

A PROCLAMATION

One hundred ninety years ago, Greece regained its independence and became a symbol of democracy for the world for the second time in history. As America recognizes this milestone in the birthplace of democracy, we also celebrate our warm friendship with Greece and the lasting legacy of Hellenic culture in our own country.

America's Founders drew upon the core democratic principles developed in ancient Greece as they imagined a new government. Since that time, our Union has strived to uphold the belief that each person has a fundamental right to liberty and participation in the democratic process, and Greece has continued to promote those very principles. Over the centuries these cherished ideals -- democracy, equality, and freedom -- have inspired our citizens and the world.

The relationship between the United States and Greece extends beyond our common values and is strengthened by the profound influence of Greek culture on our national life. From the architecture of our historic buildings to the lessons in philosophy and literature passed on in our classrooms, America has drawn on the deep intellectual traditions of the Greeks in our own establishment and growth as a nation. Reinforcing the steadfast bonds between our two countries, Americans of Greek descent have maintained the best of their heritage and immeasurably enriched our national character.

The American people stand with Greece to honor the legacy of democracy wrought over 2,000 years ago and its restoration to the Hellenic Republic nearly 200 years ago. As we celebrate the history and values of Greece and the United States, we also look forward to our shared future and recommit to continuing our work as friends and allies.

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, 2011, as "Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy." I call upon all 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 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 18, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--National Poison Prevention Week

A Proclamation

     Each day, emergency rooms treat nearly 2,000 Americans for accidental poisonings, and dozens die as a result of ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise exposing themselves to poisonous substances.  In many cases, these tragic incidents are preventable.  During National Poison Prevention Week, I encourage all Americans to identify possible dangers in the home, take action to address poisoning hazards, and learn how to respond if a poison emergency should occur.

     Children are particularly susceptible to unintentional poisoning.  More than half of all reported poison exposures involve children under the age of six, and many occur when unsupervised children find and consume medicines or harmful chemicals.  Unintentional poisonings among young people often occur when misusing or abusing prescription medications such as pain killers, sedatives, and stimulants taken from a home medicine cabinet.  Parents and caregivers can help prevent these injuries by taking simple steps to secure medications and other dangerous materials including resealing child‑resistant containers, placing drugs and toxic chemicals out of reach of children, and storing all these products in locked or childproof cabinets.

     Sadly, death rates from unintentional poisonings have increased steadily in recent years.  Many adult poisonings stem from accidental or intentional exposure to over‑the‑counter or prescription drugs.  These can be avoided by reading labels before taking medications, storing medicines in their original containers, and safely disposing of unused prescription medication.  These actions can reduce the risk posed by medications with abuse potential.  All Americans can help prevent needless harm from hazardous materials by becoming more aware of the dangers of poisonings and the ways we can prevent and respond to these incidents.

     In the event of an accidental poisoning, quick action can prevent serious injury and save lives.  If confronted with a suspected poisoning, individuals should call the national poison control hotline at 1‑800‑222‑1222.  I encourage families to post this number near their home telephone, which connects callers to potentially life‑saving information at local and regional poison control centers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

     To encourage Americans to learn more about the dangers of accidental poisonings and to take appropriate preventive 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 20 through March 26, 2011, 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 from misuse of prescription medications.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth 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

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 16, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy

A PROCLAMATION

     On March 17, Italy celebrates the 150th anniversary of its unification as a single state.  On this day, we join with Italians everywhere to honor the courage, sacrifice, and vision of the patriots who gave birth to the Italian nation.  At a time when the United States was fighting for the preservation of our own Union, Giuseppe Garibaldi's campaign for the unification of Italy inspired many around the world in their own struggles, including the 39th New York Infantry, also known as "The Garibaldi Guard."  Today, the legacy of Garibaldi and all those who unified Italy lives on in the millions of American women and men of Italian descent who strengthen and enrich our Nation.

     Italy and the United States are bound by friendship and common dedication to civil liberties, democratic principles, and the universal human rights our countries both respect and uphold.  As we mark this important milestone in Italian history, we also honor the joint efforts of Americans and Italians to foster freedom, democracy, and our shared values throughout the 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 March 17, 2011, as a day to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy.  I encourage all Americans to learn more about the history of Italian unification and to honor the enduring friendship between the people of Italy and the people of the United States.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth 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

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 04, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--150th Anniversary of the Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln

 A PROCLAMATION

President Abraham Lincoln is revered in American history as the leader who held together a fractured country and liberated millions from slavery. His words are memorized by America's schoolchildren, and his name is synonymous with freedom and unity. One hundred fifty years ago, on March 4, 1861, this self-taught man, rugged rail-splitter, and humble lawyer from Springfield, Illinois, was sworn in as our Nation's 16th President under an unfinished dome of the United States Capitol, with the storm clouds of civil war gathering.

President Lincoln reminded us in his Inaugural Address that America's Union was much older than the Constitution itself, and that our national fabric had been stitched together by shared memories and common hopes. As we observe the 150th anniversary of his Inauguration, we reflect on his unceasing belief and our enduring faith that we remain one Nation and one people, sharing a bond as Americans that will never break.

Through simple eloquence and humble leadership marked by profound wisdom -- both on his Inauguration day and throughout the coming conflict -- President Lincoln charted a course to transcend our discord and bind the wounds of a severed country. From the principles he set forth in the Emancipation Proclamation to his transformative address on the fields of Gettysburg, President Lincoln showed us how to preserve and perfect "the last, best hope of Earth." His actions and his memory enabled America to move beyond a young collection of States to become a free and unified Nation, striving for the promises and principles for which so many fought and died.

Our revered 16th President taught us that we are more than North and South, black and white -- we are one, and we are all Americans. The forces that divide us are not stronger than the forces that unite us, and the "new birth of freedom" President Lincoln called for still echoes in each of our hearts. Today, we live in the Union he saved, inheritors of the freedoms and progress for which he served. Through the ages, Abraham Lincoln calls us to take a renewed devotion to the unfinished work remaining before our Nation -- joining together across all divides to ensure that "government of the people, by the people, for the people" endures in our time.

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 4, 2011, as a day to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor his memory and uphold the principles he so nobly advanced.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth 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