Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week, 2013

Vol. 78

Thursday,

No. 182

September 19, 2013

Part IV

The President

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Proclamation 9019--Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution
Week, 2013

Proclamation 9020--Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy at the
Washington Navy Yard

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 9019 of September 16, 2013

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day,
Constitution Week, 2013

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In May of 1787, delegates gathered in the Pennsylvania
State House to chart a new course for our nascent
country. They met in a time of economic hardship and
passionate debate, but with the understanding that
while controversy is a hallmark of democracy, the
forces of tension and uncertainty pale in comparison to
the strength of our common ideals. In a document that
has endured for more than two and a quarter centuries,
the Framers put forth their vision for a more perfect
Union.

Our Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, and
after an extended period of national conversation and
with the promise of a bill of rights, it became the
supreme law of the land. Since that time, America's
Constitution has inspired nations to demand control of
their own destinies. It has called multitudes to seek
freedom and prosperity on our shores. We are a proud
Nation of immigrants, home to a long line of aspiring
citizens who contributed to their communities, founded
businesses, or sacrificed their livelihoods so they
could pass a brighter future on to their children. Each
year on Citizenship Day, we welcome the newest members
of the American family as they pledge allegiance to our
Constitution and join us in writing the next chapter of
our national story.

Throughout our history, immigrants have embraced the
spirit of liberty, equality, and justice for all--the
same ideals that stirred the patriots of 1776 to rise
against an empire, guided the Framers as they built a
stronger republic, and moved generations to bridge our
founding promise with the realities of our time.

The pursuit of this promise defines our history; with
amendments that trace our national journey, the
Constitution bears witness to how far we have come. As
we celebrate the world's longest surviving written
charter of government, let us remember that upholding
our founding principles requires us to challenge modern
injustices. Let us accept our responsibilities as
citizens, our obligations to one another and to future
generations. Let us move forward with the knowledge
that in the face of impossible odds, those who love
their country can change it.

In remembrance of the signing of the Constitution and
in recognition of the Americans who strive to uphold
the duties and responsibilities of citizenship, the
Congress, by joint resolution of February 29, 1952 (36
U.S.C. 106), designated September 17 as ``Constitution
Day and Citizenship Day,'' and by joint resolution of
August 2, 1956 (36 U.S.C. 108), requested that the
President proclaim the week beginning September 17 and
ending September 23 of each year as ``Constitution
Week.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim September
17, 2013, as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and
September 17 through September 23, 2013, as
Constitution Week. I encourage Federal, State, and
local officials, as well as leaders of civic, social,
and educational organizations, to conduct ceremonies
and programs that bring together community members to
reflect

on the importance of active citizenship, recognize the
enduring strength of our Constitution, and reaffirm our
commitment to the rights and obligations of citizenship
in this great Nation.

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