Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 124.djvu/4720

 124 STAT. 4694 PROCLAMATION 8565—SEPT. 17, 2010 commitment to maintaining the safety and security of the United States by caring for those who defend it. 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 the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Sep- tember 19 through September 25, 2010, as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week. I call upon all Americans to join me in expressing our heartfelt thanks to the members of the National Guard and Reserve and their civilian employers. I also call on State and local officials, private organizations, and all military commanders, to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 8565 of September 17, 2010 National Farm Safety and Health Week, 2010 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every day, the lives of Americans are touched by the hard work and dedication of our Nation’s farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers. The food they produce through their tireless efforts fuels our Nation, nour- ishes our bodies, and sustains millions at home and around the globe. As we celebrate National Farm Safety and Health Week, we recognize the tremendous contributions of these individuals and rededicate our- selves to ensuring their safety and health at all times. Our farmers, ranchers, farmworkers, horticultural workers, and their families and communities are among the most productive in the world. Our agriculture industry employs only a tiny percentage of the United States workforce, yet its yield is worth billions of dollars a year and supports the growth and development of the American economy. Agri- cultural producers are stewards of our natural resources and precious open spaces, and they are playing a key role in developing renewable energy and moving America towards energy independence. To safely continue this important work, those in the agriculture sector must take special precautions in their daily tasks. Despite the great ad- vancements in modern agriculture, farming remains a labor-intensive and sometimes dangerous occupation. America’s agricultural producers work in harsh weather conditions, handle dangerous chemicals and materials, and operate large machinery and equipment. I encourage these individuals and their families to conduct regular training on res- piratory protection; proper handling and usage of pesticides and other hazardous materials; the inspection, maintenance, and safe operation of machinery and other equipment; and emergency response and res- cue procedures. Additionally, farms and ranches with children or nov-