Labor Day, 2011

Proclamation 8707 of September 2, 2011

Labor Day, 2011

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every day, hard-working men and women across America
prove that, even in difficult times, our country is
still home to the most creative, dynamic, and talented
workers in the world. Generations of working people
have built this country--from our highways and
skylines, to the goods and services driving us in the
21st century. On Labor Day and throughout the year, we
celebrate our Nation's workers, and we commit to
supporting their efforts in moving our economy forward.

The right to organize and collectively bargain is a
fundamental American value. Since its beginnings in our
country, organized labor has raised our living
standards and built our middle class. It is the reason
we have a minimum wage, weekends away from work to rest
and spend time with family, and basic protections in
our workplaces. Many Americans today are given
opportunities because their parents and grandparents
fought for these basic rights and values. The
principles upheld by the honorable laborers of
generations past and their unions continue to fuel the
growth of our economy and a strong middle class.

This year has seen a vigorous fight to protect these
rights and values, and on this Labor Day, we reaffirm
that collective bargaining is a cornerstone of the
American dream. From public employees--including
teachers, firefighters, police, and others who perform
public services--to workers in private industries,
these men and women hold the power of our Nation in
their hands.

In the last several years, we have pulled our country
back from the brink, through a series of tough economic
decisions. While we have come far, great challenges
still face us. Many Americans are still struggling, and
many are unemployed. My Administration is working
tirelessly each day to promote policies that get
Americans back to work. We will always strive to keep
our fundamental promise that, in America, anyone who
works hard and acts responsibly can provide a better
future for their children. When we come together, there
is no limit to what the American workforce can do.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim September 5, 2011, as
Labor Day. I call upon all public officials and people
of the United States to observe this day with
appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that
acknowledge the tremendous contributions of working
Americans and their families.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
second day of September, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.