Read Across America Day, 2012

Vol. 77

Tuesday,

No. 44

March 6, 2012

Part IV

The President

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Proclamation 8781--Read Across America Day, 2012

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8781 of March 2, 2012

Read Across America Day, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

From infancy through adulthood, reading enriches the
human experience and illuminates the path to learning,
opportunity, and success. By sharing the beauty and
power of books with our children, we make a vital
investment not only in their future, but also in an
America that leads the world in educating its people.
As we celebrate Read Across America Day in our homes,
schools, and libraries, let us recommit to empowering
every child with a strong start and a passion for the
written word.

The journey to literacy begins early and continues
throughout childhood. Parents and caregivers can play
an essential role in developing fundamental skills by
reading aloud regularly, helping children explore new
words and concepts, and instilling enthusiasm for
language and storytelling. These first lessons help
pave the way for a love of reading that can last a
lifetime. As children move from the living room to the
classroom, teachers, librarians, and families use books
to reinforce reading proficiency and build critical
thinking skills that provide the foundation for a
world-class education. By working together to give our
sons and daughters the tools for achievement, we lay
the groundwork for growth and prosperity that will
stand the test of time.

On Read Across America Day, we also celebrate the
birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel--an author whose
fanciful wordplay and whimsical tales continue to
delight young readers around the world. Dr. Seuss's
stories evoke the unlimited potential for imagination
and inspiration on the printed page, and they remind us
of the countless ways reading enhances our lives.
Today, we reaffirm our commitment to raising a
generation of avid learners and bringing an outstanding
education within reach for every child.

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 March 2, 2012, as
Read Across America Day. I call upon children,
families, educators, librarians, public officials, and
all the people of the United States to observe this day
with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

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