Bill of Rights Day, 2011

Proclamation 8766 of December 8, 2011

Bill of Rights Day, 2011

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On December 15, 1791, the United States adopted the
Bill of Rights, enshrining in our Constitution the
protection of our inalienable freedoms, from the right
to speak our minds and worship as we please to the
guarantee of equal justice under the law. For 220
years, these fundamental liberties have shaped our
national character and stirred the souls of all who
dream of a freer, more just world. As we mark this
milestone, we renew our commitment to preserving our
universal rights and perfecting our Union.

Introduced in the First Congress in 1789, the Bill of
Rights was born out of compromise. The promise of
enumerated rights enabled the ratification of the
Constitution without fear that a more centralized
government would encroach on American freedoms. In
adopting the first ten Amendments, our Founders put
forth an ideal that continues to define our Nation--
that we can have both liberty and security, that we
need not sacrifice the rights of man for the rule of
law.

Throughout our country's history, generations have
risen to uphold the principles outlined in our Bill of
Rights and advance equality for all Americans. The
liberties we enjoy today are possible only because of
these brave patriots, from the service members who have
defended our freedom to the citizens who have braved
billy clubs and fire hoses in the hope of extending
America's promise across lines of color and creed. On
Bill of Rights Day, we celebrate this proud legacy and
resolve to pass to our children an America worthy of
our Founders' vision.

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 December 15, 2011, as
Bill of Rights Day. I call upon the people of the
United States to mark this observance with appropriate
ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighth day of December, 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.