Proclamation 9271-Public Service Recognition Week, 2015
Issued 2015-05-01 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation to designate May 3-9, 2015, as Public Service Recognition Week. The action itself is ceremonial—it officially names a specific week to honor Americans who work in government at the local, state, and federal levels. The proclamation calls on all Americans to recognize the work of public servants and observe the week through appropriate activities, events, and programs.
This proclamation affects more than 2 million civilian federal workers and more than 1 million active duty service members, as well as public servants working in state and local governments across the country. These include scientists, teachers, social workers, first responders, and others who work in various government roles. The proclamation acknowledges that these workers have faced challenges including pay freezes, budget cuts, and sequestration.
This matters because it provides official recognition for government employees and their contributions to the country. The proclamation is purely ceremonial and does not create new laws, require federal spending, or impose any legal obligations. It expresses presidential sentiment and draws public attention to public service as a tradition dating back to the nation's founding. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations like this since George Washington, and they fall within well-established executive tradition requiring no congressional approval.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9271-Public Service Recognition Week, 2015" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to public service recognition. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2015 Proclamation 9271—Public Service Recognition Week, 2015 May 1, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation A Government of, by, and for the people is sustained only through the hard work and extraordinary sacrifice of millions of citizens willing to serve the country they love. From the moment an early band of patriots first came together to secure the blessings of liberty for all, public servants have worked to create a more perfect Union. Today—in every city and every town—Americans proudly carry forward this tradition of service, which has built our Nation and strengthened its promise. This week, we recognize all those who dedicate their lives to this noble pursuit, and we celebrate the tremendous difference they make every day. In the face of difficult challenges, public servants give new life to the values that bind our Nation together. Civil servants are scientists and teachers, social workers and first responders—they are the leaders of today's progress and the innovators of tomorrow's breakthroughs. With determination and resolve, they defend our country overseas and work to widen the circle of opportunity and prosperity here at home. And despite tough circumstances&md