123STA T . 3 689PROCL A M AT I O N 8 4 11 — S E PT. 4 , 2 0 09 mit t ow o rk i ng in c ommon c ause wit h our f rien d sanda l lies to create a safer and b righter world for current and future generations .NOW,THER E F ORE, I , BA RA CK OBA M A, P resident of the U nited S tates of America, b yv irtue of the authority vested in me by the Con - stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby p roclaim Friday, September 4 , through Sunday, September 6 , as National D ays of Prayer and Remembrance. I ask that the people of the United States, each in their own way, honor the victims of September 1 1, 20 01, and their families through prayer, memorial services, the ringing of bells, and evening candlelight remembrance vigils. I invite the people of the world to share in this solemn commemoration. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of September, 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-fourth. BARACK OBAMA Proclam a ti o n841 1o fSep tem b er4 ,20 0 9LaborD a y,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 Since our Nation ’ s founding, working Americans have carried us through times of challenge and uncertainty and propelled America through eras of peace and prosperity. They have long formed the back- bone of our Nation’s economy, and they will continue to lead our Na- tion to new heights in the years to come. Working Americans helped lay the foundation for our Nation’s progress over the generations. Brick by brick, they built the infrastruc- ture that powered the engine of our economy. With firm resolve and commitment, they constructed our cities and towns, and with unparal- leled skill they manufactured the goods and provided the services needed by Americans and people around the world. They have pre- pared our children for the challenges ahead and cared for the sick and the elderly. Today, we commemorate the many contributions labor has made to our Nation. Throughout its history, the labor movement has given voice to the aspi- rations and concerns of millions of men and women. By fighting for decent working conditions, as well as fair wages and benefits, orga- ni z ed labor has stood for the rights of everyday Americans. With deter- mination and commitment, labor has advocated for all working fami- lies and all have benefited from the fruits of their struggles. Today, we find ourselves in an era of great challenges. The economic crisis we face is vast and comple x . Americans understand the con- se q uences
dwindling savings for young families, a daunting choice be- tween prescriptions and groceries for our seniors, and fading hopes for a college education for our young people. J ust as they have so many times in our history, working Americans will help our Nation emerge from this crisis and lead us into a new era of prosperity and progress.
