Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2012

Proclamation 8798 of April 9, 2012

Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In April of 1890, delegates from countries throughout
the Americas gathered in Washington, D.C., united in
the belief that cooperation would lead to a more
peaceful, secure, and prosperous hemisphere.
Demonstrating remarkable foresight and a commitment to
progress, they came together to forge a community of
nations that would one day become the Organization of
American States--a body dedicated to the pursuit of
democracy and economic opportunity for all our people.
During Pan American Day and Pan American Week, we
celebrate this legacy of international partnership and
renew the bonds of friendship and shared responsibility
that join us in common purpose.

The United States is proud to be part of the inter-
American community. From the shores of Canada to the
cliffs of Cape Horn, our hopes are bound together--to
create greater social and economic opportunity for all,
to ensure safety for our citizens, to build strong and
accountable democratic institutions, to secure a clean
energy future. Our Nation remains committed to working
together with partners across our hemisphere to achieve
these goals.

Last October, I was proud to sign legislation to
implement Free Trade Agreements with Panama and
Colombia that will support American jobs, open new
markets to our exports, and spur growth here at home
and throughout the region. These Agreements strengthen
our partnerships, and they reflect our commitment to
supporting democracy and economic opportunity
throughout the Americas. We are also working to fuel
education and innovation across our hemisphere. One
year ago, we announced the 100,000 Strong in the
Americas initiative to encourage more of our students
to study abroad in Latin America and more Latin
American students to study here in the United States,
fostering lifelong connections between our nations that
will be keys to progress. And as we move forward, we
continue to support strong democracies and democratic
institutions that promote transparency in government,
respect the rule of law, ensure a robust civil society,
respect human rights, and deliver public services in
effective and equitable ways.

This week, we gather in Cartagena, Colombia, for the
Sixth Summit of the Americas. As 34 Heads of State and
Government come together to chart a path toward
tomorrow's horizons, let us recall that though we are
stewards of unique and varied histories, our nations
are partners in progress. During Pan American Day and
Pan American Week, we celebrate our shared heritage,
reflect on the gains we have made, and recommit to
advancing the common prosperity and security of all our
people.

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 April 14, 2012, as
Pan American Day and April 8 through April 14, 2012, as
Pan American Week. I urge the governors of the 50
States, the governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, and the officials of the other areas under the
flag of the United States of America to honor these
observances with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
ninth day of April, 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.