Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 123.djvu/3636

 123STA T . 3 6 16 PROCL A M AT I O N8 3 50— MAR. 2 , 200 9OnReadAcros sA m er i ca D a y,w e p ar t ner wit h the N ationa lE d u cation Association and mar k the b irthday o fT heodor G eisel, whose belo v ed Dr .S euss books still inspire children throu g hout the world to read. NO W ,T H ERE F ORE, I , B ARA CK OBA M A, P resident of the U nited States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con - stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2, 2 0 0 9 , as Read Across America Day. I call upon children, families, edu- cators, 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-sev- enth day of February, in the year of our L ord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third. BARACK OBAMA Proclam a ti o n8350 o fM arc h2, 200 9Irish-Ame ri canH eri t a g e Mo nth ,20 0 9BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation Even before the birth of our Nation, the sons and daughters of Erin de- parted their homes in search of liberty and a more hopeful future. As these early pioneers left familiar lands, they carried with them the rich traditions of home. This March we honor their j ourney and their last- ing contributions to the history and culture of the United States. Following the colonial migrations, the United States enjoyed the great- est influ x of Irish during the 184 0s as Ireland suffered the Great Fam- ine. Hungry but hopeful, poor but perseverant, Irish-Americans sei z ed the opportunity to work hard, enjoy success, and pursue the American Dream. Many took on the difficult work of constructing America ’ s infrastruc- ture. Others assumed positions of leadership. Among those leaders were signers of the Declaration of Independence and Presidents of the United States. Still others enjoyed great success and influence in the arts and literature. From social activists to business leaders, athletes to clergy, and first responders to soldiers, distinguished Irish-Americans have made indelible contributions to our national identity. Today, tens of millions of Irish-Americans can look back with pride on the legacy of their forebears. Irish-Americans are integral to the rich fabric of the United States, and we are grateful for their service and contributions. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2009 as Irish-American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activi- ties.