Law Day, U.S.A., 2010

Proclamation 8511 of April 29, 2010

Law Day, U.S.A., 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For over two centuries, our Nation has adhered to the
rule of law as the foundation for a safe, free, and
just society. President Eisenhower, seeking to formally
recognize this tradition, established Law Day in 1958
as ``a day of national dedication to the principles of
government under law.'' Each Law Day, we celebrate our
commitment to the rule of law and to upholding the
fundamental principles enshrined in our founding
documents.

Today, we can travel, communicate, and conduct business
around the world faster than ever before. The theme of
this year's Law Day, ``Law in the 21st Century:
Enduring Traditions and Emerging Challenges,'' reminds
us to draw upon and adapt our time-honored legal
traditions to meet the demands of a global era. The
prosperity we enjoy as a Nation of laws increasingly
depends on preserving the rights and liberties not just
in our own country but also in other nations.

In an increasingly interconnected world, legal issues
of human rights, criminal justice, intellectual
property, business transactions, dispute resolution,
human migration, and environmental regulation affect us
all. The enduring legal principles of due process and
equal protection of the law, judicial independence,
access to justice, and a firm commitment to the rule of
law will continue to allow us to address today's
concerns while anticipating tomorrow's challenges.

On this Law Day, I encourage all Americans to reflect
upon and renew our commitment to our legal traditions.
By fostering an open dialogue about law's role in the
21st century, we help ensure that all people
understand, remain dedicated to, and are protected by
the principles of government under law.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, in accordance with Public Law
87-20, as amended, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2010, as
Law Day, U.S.A. I call upon all Americans to
acknowledge the importance of our Nation's legal and
judicial systems with appropriate ceremonies and
activities, and to display the flag of the United
States in support of this national observance.

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