National Grandparents Day, 2011

Proclamation 8709 of September 9, 2011

National Grandparents Day, 2011

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The support of loved ones provides the earliest and
often most powerful influence on our lives.
Grandparents hold a special place in our families,
serving as elders, caregivers, and sources of lasting
inspiration. On National Grandparents Day, we honor the
loving presence of these mentors who have contributed
immeasurably to the strength of our families and our
Nation.

As a country, we understand our welfare is determined
by that of all Americans, and it is our responsibility
to provide for our grandparents as they have for us. We
must keep Social Security strong and viable, while
preserving it for future generations. We must
strengthen Medicare by making common-sense changes that
encourage high-quality care and address wasteful
spending. After a lifetime of contributions to our
Nation and its economy, seniors have earned this
support.

Today, our grandparents continue to serve their
communities in many ways. Their spirit of service and
warm guidance instill in each of us the values of
community and compassion and inspire all of us to reach
for ever greater heights.

The greatest generation built America into a global
force for prosperity, opportunity, and freedom. They
taught us that with hard work, sacrifice, and a
determined spirit, anything is possible. Today, we
honor their contributions to our Nation and its proud
story.

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 11, 2011,
as National Grandparents Day. I call upon all Americans
to take the time to honor their own grandparents and
those in their community.

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