National D.A.R.E. Day, 2009

Proclamation 8358 of April 8, 2009

National D.A.R.E. Day, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Drugs, gangs, and violence threaten our children and
communities every day. Today we commemorate Drug Abuse
Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.), a program that has
worked to educate children and protect them from these
problems. National D.A.R.E. Day provides the
opportunity to reflect upon the dangers of drugs,
gangs, and violence and to emphasize efforts to combat
these threats.

From inner cities to suburbs and rural communities,
gangs and drug dealers prey upon youth across the
United States. Unaware of the dangers of drug abuse and
violence, many youth surrender the promise of a bright
future. Every child lost in this battle represents a
tragedy for our Nation, and we must do more to stop it.

Education efforts to help children avoid drugs and
violence must begin in the home. Parents must be
positive role models and take the lead in advising
their children on the effects of drugs on their health
and well-being.

The D.A.R.E. program has worked to educate students
about drugs, gangs, and violence for more than 25
years. Placing law-enforcement personnel in the
classroom, D.A.R.E. provides students with important
lessons from experts and seeks to prepare them for the
difficult encounters and choices they may face.

Today we honor D.A.R.E. for its important work. The
efforts of D.A.R.E.'s instructors and supporters
benefit our Nation's children and are deserving of
praise and appreciation. D.A.R.E.'s renewed efforts to
implement science-based programs and to strengthen
partnerships among law enforcement, families, and their
communities are particularly worthy of commendation.
Through effective teaching methods and broad
participation, D.A.R.E. can help ensure that every
child in America enjoys the opportunities he or she
deserves.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim April 8, 2009, as National
D.A.R.E. Day. I call upon our youth, parents,
educators, law enforcement personnel, and all the
people of the United States to observe this day with
appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.