Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 123.djvu/3758

123STA T . 3 7 3 8PROCL A M AT I O N 8 45 5 — NO V .2 0, 200 9Proclam a ti o n845 5o fN o ve m b er 20, 200 9Nation a lF a rm-C it yWe e 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 OurNation’sf ar m an d ran ch fami l i e ssu p pl y many of the b asic neces - sities of our daily life .T hey mana g e a large portion of our country’s fertile land base , and they are careta k ers of our v aluable natural re- sources and diverse ecosystems. Their connections w ith urban and suburban communities are critical to our economy and to the nourish- ment of our people. D uring National F arm- C ity W eek, we e x press grati- tude for the contributions of our Nation’s farmers and ranchers, and we rededicate ourselves to providing all A mericans with access to healthy food, and thus, a healthy future. P ioneered by Native Americans, agriculture was our Nation’s first in- dustry. For agriculture to thrive in the 21 st century, we must continue to cultivate the relationships between farmers and rural businesses and their partners and customers in cities and towns. American farmers and ranchers are proud to grow the food, feed, fuel, and fiber that en- hance our national security and prosperity, and remain steadfast stew- ards of the land they love. We must ensure that farming is maintained as an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable way of life for future generations. This Thanksgiving season, we celebrate farms of every si z e that produce fruits, vegetables, dairy, and livestock indispensable to the health of our families. We also recognize the vital ties between our urban and suburban communities and their local farmers through re- gional food systems, farmers markets, and community gardens. During National Farm-City Week, we celebrate the bounty of America, and we honor the commitment of those who grow, harvest, and deliver agricul- tural goods to feed our country and grow our economy. NOW, T HER EFORE, I , B ARAC K OBA M A, President 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 the week ending on Thanksgiving Day of each year as National Farm-City Week. I call on Americans as they gather with their families and friends to reflect on the accomplishments of all who dedicate their lives to promoting our Nation’s agricultural abundance and environ- mental stewardship. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of November, 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