Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 123.djvu/3677

 123STA T . 3 657PROCL A M AT I O N8 388 —JU N E 1, 2 0 0 9Thes e i ss u es af fe ctno ton ly the LGB Tco m munity ,b ut also ou r entire N ation .A s lon g as the p romise of e q uality for all remains unfulfille d , all Americans are affected. I f w e can wor k together to ad v ance the principles upon which our Nation was founded, every American will benefit. D uring LGBT P ride M onth, I call upon the LGBT community, the C ongress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of se x ual orientation or gender identity. N OW ,T HER E F ORE, I, BARAC K OBAMA, President of the U nited S tates of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con - stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim J une 20 0 9 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and pre j u- dice everywhere it exists. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- third. BARACK OBAMA Proclam a ti o n83 88o fJu n e1,20 0 9GreatOu t do or sM o n t h,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 The United States is blessed with unparalleled natural beauty. From re- mote forests to urban parks, these spaces have inspired visitors for gen- erations. Today, these areas continue to raise the human spirit in those who experience them. During the month of June, I encourage Ameri- cans to pay tribute to and preserve the great outdoors. Americans of all ages can find calm and enjoyment in our Nation ’ s vast outdoors. Those desiring quiet or solitude can explore one of our many National Parks, which offer tranquil and pristine surroundings. Those seeking recreation can also explore public lands, or they can simply run, bicycle, or fish in areas close to their homes. Whether near or far, the outdoors offers unique experiences. Exploring the great outdoors can also help improve one’s health. These spaces provide countless venues for walking, hiking, running, swim- ming, and boating, among other activities. Americans can combine the enjoyment of being outside with the exercise we all need to stay healthy. My Administration is working to connect America’s youth with our treasured landscapes, which should be viewed as classrooms for envi- ronmental education and gateways to careers in natural resources. These efforts will include outreach to those who typically lack rep- resentation in, and exposure to, these fields. The Department of the In- terior is launching a summer mentoring initiative as part of this effort. This program invites families and friends to teach children about the joys and wonders of the outdoors. My Administration is also increasing the number of youth involved in national service on public lands.