Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 124.djvu/4618

 124 STAT. 4592 PROCLAMATION 8480—MAR. 1, 2010 During this year’s Irish-American Heritage Month, we also celebrate an extraordinary Irishman: Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Throughout his career in public service, Senator Kennedy worked tirelessly to create opportunity for all Americans. His legacy lives on in the legislation he championed, which will bolster and protect the health, education, and civil rights of Americans for generations to come. Across the Atlantic, the people of Ireland continue to confront their own challenges with resolve and determination. In the face of violence perpetuated by some—testing a hard-earned peace—the people of Northern Ireland have responded heroically. Undaunted, they and their leaders persist on the road to peace and prosperity enshrined over a decade ago in the Good Friday Agreement. The United States remains committed to supporting the political process and the work of those who have shown leadership in pursuit of a lasting peace. Today, the sons and daughters of Erin can look back with pride on their many contributions to the civic and cultural life of America. Like so many of our Nation’s ethnic communities, Irish Americans are a people whose hard work and resilience have brought them great oppor- tunity and success, and whose service to our Nation has left it a better place. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States do hereby proclaim March 2010 as Irish-American Heritage Month. I call upon all Ameri- cans to observe this month by celebrating the contributions of Irish American to our Nation with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- fourth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 8480 of March 1, 2010 Read Across America Day, 2010 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As the foundation that makes all other learning possible, literacy is the key to unlocking every child’s full potential. From riding a bus to opening a bank account, our everyday tasks and decisions require com- prehension of the written word. On Read Across America Day, we reaf- firm our commitment to investing in our children and giving them an essential tool for success in school and in life: the ability to read. Today marks the birthday of the late Theodor Seuss Geisel, known to millions as Dr. Seuss. His imaginative tales have helped generations of children learn to read, and they hold a cherished place on bookshelves in homes across America. Authors like Dr. Seuss, whose stories intro- duce fantastical worlds and characters, fold joy into reading and help spark the curiosity that is central to learning.