Law Day, U.S.A., 2014

Proclamation 9115 of April 30, 2014

Law Day, U.S.A., 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

More than two centuries ago, patriots battled to
release America from the grip of tyranny. As these
brave citizens defended their right to shape their own
destiny, our Founders created a government of, by, and
for the people--rooted in the belief that just power
derives from the consent of the governed. It is a
system that can only function through the rule of law.

This Law Day pays special tribute to the right to vote,
the cornerstone of democracy. Many Americans won the
franchise after generations of struggle, while others
gave their lives so their children and grandchildren
might one day enjoy what should have been their
birthright. Thanks to women who picketed the White
House and activists who marched on the National Mall,
our laws finally recognized a truth that had always
been self-evident--that every citizen should have a
voice in our democracy. Over the centuries, we have
made legal changes that eliminated formal voting
restrictions based on wealth, race, and sex and that
extended the right to vote to younger adults. Today,
our laws continue to protect this fundamental right,
laws like the Voting Rights Act, the National Voter
Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act, and the
Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

Despite this hard-fought progress, barriers to voting
still exist, and the right to vote faces a new wave of
threats. In some States, women may be turned away from
the polls because they are registered under their
maiden name; in others, seniors who have been voting
for decades may suddenly be told they cannot vote
because they do not have a particular form of
identification. As we reflect on the trials and
triumphs of generations past, we must rededicate
ourselves to preserving those victories in our time.
Earlier this year, a bipartisan commission I appointed
recommended a series of common-sense reforms to protect
the right to vote, curb the potential for fraud, and
ensure no one has to wait more than a half hour to cast
a ballot. States and local election officials should
implement these recommendations. In addition, the
Congress should demonstrate its commitment to our
fundamental right by updating the Voting Rights Act.

Let us mark Law Day by recognizing the institutions
that uphold the rule of law in America. Let us vow to
keep safe our founding creed. And let us remember that
opportunity requires justice, and justice requires the
right to vote.

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, 2014, 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
thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.