Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 123.djvu/3743

123STA T . 3 7 23 PROCL A M AT I O N84 4 0— OCT. 1 9, 2009 CaneS a f e tyD ayt or e c o g n iz et h e contri bu tion s of Am ericans w ho are b l in d or ha v e low vision .NOW,THER E F ORE, I , B ARAC K OBA M A, P resident of the U nited States of America, do hereby p roclaim October 15 , 20 0 9 , as White Cane Safety Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appro - priate ceremonies, activities, and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of October, 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 n84 4 0 o fO cto be r 19,2 009 Nation a lCh a r a c t e rCo u nt sW ee k,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 In communities across America, people are wor k ing together to see our country through challenging times — educating our children, caring for the sick, and e x tending a hand to those in need. They remind us that the true character of our Nation is revealed by the good we do when the moment is challenging. During National Character Counts Week, we pay tribute to the men and women who are selflessly serving oth- ers, inspiring and encouraging younger generations to develop the com- passion, dedication, and strength of character that is the mark of our great Nation. Instilling sound character and a sense of responsibility in our children is critical to our country ’ s future. When we teach young people about time-honored values like integrity and humility, we promote good citi- zenship and civic virtues that will guide them through life and sustain our democracy. Parents play an integral role in cultivating the char- acter of their children, and they must help them understand the con- se q uences of poor choices and the rewards of healthy, sound decisions. Teachers, clergy, local leaders, and countless other volunteers can also be role models and mentors for America’s youth as they devote their time and energy to serving their communities. The brave members of our Armed Forces who sacrifice every day for our Nation are tremen- dous examples of strong character for us all to follow. Throughout our history, the pursuit of our highest ideals—hard work, curiosity, tolerance, and patriotism—has been the quiet force behind our progress. As Americans, we must hold true to these fundamental values that have propelled us forward time and again to adapt and lead in an ever-changing world. National Character Counts week is an op- portunity to recognize the depth of America’s character and to honor those who pass on our values to future generations. 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 October 1 8 through October 2 4 , 2009, as National Character Counts Week. I call