Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 123.djvu/3733

 123STA T . 3 7 13 PROCL A M AT I O N84 31 — OCT. 2 , 2 0 0 9cent e rof re vi t al i z ation , in sp irin g creativit y ,i d eas, and ne wh ope in areas that have gone too long witho u tit .E very Am erican deserves an opportunity to study, understand, and contri b ute to the arts and humanities. T his must begin in our schools, where children may have their first and most important e x posure to these disciplines. W or k ing on their own masterpieces and finding in - spiration in the work of others, young people are opened to new means of expression that sharpen their creative faculties. An education in music, dance, drama, design, and fine art reinforces skills in fields like math and science, and it can help students reach their full potential. I n an ever-changing world, we must prepare our students with the knowledge, creative skills, and an ability to innovate so they can com- pete and succeed on a global stage. As a people, we have an unlimited capacity for self-expression and personal interpretation. While we may not always agree with what we see or hear, it is our open-mindedness that commends the artistic struggle behind the creation and our curiosity that pursues its vision. This month, we honor this artistic spirit that lives and breathes within every American. C reativity and a thirst for understanding are the fuel that has fed our N ation ’ s success for centuries, and they will continue to be well into our future. N O W,T H E R E F ORE, I, B ARAC K OBA M A, P resident of the U nited S tates of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 20 0 9 as National Arts and Humanities Month. I call upon the people of the United States to j oin together in observing this month with ap- propriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to celebrate the arts and humanities in America. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of October, in the year of our L ord two thousand nine, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- fourth. BARACK OBAMA Proclam a ti o n8431 o fO cto be r 2, 2 0 0 9Nation a lE n ergyAw arene s s M ont 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 A more prosperous future for our Nation’s economy means making in- vestments in energy efficiency and clean energy today. Well-funded en- ergy research and development will not only help protect our environ- ment and support our communities, but it will also address concerns of global competitiveness and national security. Innovation in energy technology will decrease our oil use, strengthen our economy, and re- duce the dangerous pollution that causes climate change. As American scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs bring new and improved energy technologies to homes and businesses in this country and around the world, they will be showing American leadership and