Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 124.djvu/4712

124 STAT. 4686 PROCLAMATION 8558—SEPT. 10, 2010 in the world by 2020. This year, I was proud to sign an Executive Order to strengthen the White House Initiative on HBCUs, which will collaborate with government agencies, educational associations, philan- thropic organizations, the private sector, and other partners to increase the capacity of HBCUs to provide the highest-quality education to a greater number of students. Together, we will ensure HBCUs continue fostering determination in their students, instilling pride in their alum- ni, and adding rungs to our Nation’s ladder of opportunity for future generations. During National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, we celebrate the immeasurable contributions these crucibles of learning have made to our Nation. As we continue strengthening the capacity of HBCUs, let us also recommit to preserving and enriching their long tradition of hope and success, and to sustaining our collective effort to meet and exceed America’s goals for educational excellence. 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 12 through September 18, 2010, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. I call upon all public officials, edu- cators, librarians, and Americans to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that acknowledge the tremendous achievements HBCUs and their graduates have made to our country. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth 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 8558 of September 10, 2010 National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2010 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In commemoration of the tragedies of September 11, 2001, we come to- gether as Americans each September to honor the memory of the women, men, and children lost in New York City, in rural Pennsyl- vania, and at the Pentagon. We renew our commitment to those who lost the comfort and companionship of loved ones and friends in those moments, and we mourn with them. This year’s National Days of Prayer and Remembrance are a time to ex- press our everlasting gratitude for the countless acts of valor on Sep- tember 11, 2001, and in the dark days that followed. Innocent men and women were beginning a routine day at work on a beautiful September morning when they tragically lost their lives in a horrific moment of violence. We are forever indebted to the firefighters, police officers, and other first responders who put their lives on the line to help evac- uate and rescue individuals trapped in offices and elevators. Rushing into chaos and burning buildings, many gave their lives so others