Labor Day, 2010

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Part VII

The President

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Proclamation 8555--Labor Day, 2010

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8555 of September 3, 2010

Labor Day, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Working Americans are the foundation of our Nation's
continued economic success and prosperity. From
constructing the first transcontinental railroad to
shaping our city skylines, they have built our country
and propelled it forward. Through great innovation and
perseverance, our labor force has forged America as a
land of limitless possibility and a leader in the
global marketplace. On Labor Day, we honor the enduring
values and immeasurable contributions of working men
and women today and throughout our history.

As we recognize the contributions of the American
workers who have built our country, we must continue to
protect their vital role and that of organized labor in
our national life. Workers have not always possessed
the same rights and benefits many enjoy today. Over
time, they have fought for and gained fairer pay,
better benefits, and safer work environments. From the
factory floors during the Industrial Revolution to the
shopping aisles of today's superstores, organized labor
has provided millions of hard-working men and women
with a voice in the workplace and an unprecedented path
into our strong middle class. By advocating on behalf
of our families, labor unions have helped advance the
safe and equitable working conditions that every worker
deserves.

Today, as we emerge from the worst recession since the
Great Depression, far too many American workers remain
without a job. With every work hour lost and every
plant closure and layoff, families and communities
struggle to make ends meet and face difficult decisions
about how to stay afloat. Yet, in the face of this
tremendous challenge, our workers have renewed their
commitment to achieving the American dream by training
and educating themselves for careers crucial to our
long-term competitiveness. To rebuild our economy, my
Administration is focusing on job training and
investing in industries that cannot be outsourced. By
focusing on recovery at home, we are saving or creating
millions of jobs in America and supporting the working
men and women who will drive our 21st-century economy.
More remains to be done, but we have taken important
steps forward toward recovery.

American workers have always been ready to roll up
their sleeves, clock in, and earn an honest living.
That steady determination is why I have confidence in
the American economy and confidence that we can
overcome the challenges we face. There is no greater
example of our country's resolve and resilience than
that of our workers. As we celebrate Labor Day, we
honor those who have advanced our Nation's strength and
prosperity--American workers.

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 September 6, 2010, as
Labor Day. I call upon all public officials and people
of the United States to observe this day with
appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that
acknowledge the tremendous contributions of working
Americans and their families.

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