40th Anniversary of the 26th Amendment

Proclamation 8691 of July 1, 2011

40th Anniversary of the 26th Amendment

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Forty years ago, the 26th Amendment to the United
States Constitution took effect, lowering the universal
voting age in America from 21 years to 18 years.
Millions of young Americans were extended the right to
vote, empowering more young people than ever before to
help shape our country. On this anniversary, we
remember the commitment of all those who fought for the
right to vote and celebrate the contributions of young
adults to our Nation.

The right to vote has been secured by generations of
leaders over our history, from the women's groups of
the early 20th century to the civil rights activists of
the 1960s. For young people, the movement to lower
America's voting age took years of hard work and tough
advocacy to make the dream a reality. Yet, once
proposed in Congress in 1971, the 26th Amendment was
ratified in the shortest time span of any
Constitutional Amendment in American history.

In the midst of the Vietnam War, our Nation bestowed
upon our young people the ability to change the status
quo and entrusted them with a new voice in government.
Today, young adults across America continue to exercise
this enormous responsibility of citizenship. Countless
young people are involved in the political process,
dedicated to ensuring their voices are heard.

Ideas from young Americans are important to my
Administration, and they will help shape the future of
our Nation. We are committed to supporting and
developing young leaders from all beliefs and
backgrounds, and from urban and rural communities
alike. This year, I launched ``100 Youth Roundtables,''
an initiative to facilitate substantive dialogue
between my Administration and young Americans. We
hosted a Young Entrepreneur Summit to listen to budding
entrepreneurs and better assess their needs. And this
summer, we are beginning a ``How to Make Change''
series for young Americans from all walks of life who
are seeking change in their communities and our world.

Young adults have been a driving force for change in
the last century, bringing new ideas and high hopes to
our national dialogue. Today, we remember the efforts
of those who fought for their seat at the table, and we
encourage coming generations to claim their place in
our democracy.

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 July 1, 2011, as the
40th Anniversary of the 26th Amendment. I call upon all
Americans to participate in ceremonies and activities
that honor young Americans, and those who have fought
for freedom and justice in our country.

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