[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 95 (Tuesday, May 19, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 23603-23604]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-11834]



[[Page 23601]]

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Part III





The President





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Proclamation 8380--Armed Forces Day, 2009
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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 95 / Tuesday, May 19, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 23603]]

                Proclamation 8380 of May 14, 2009

                
Armed Forces Day, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                 On Armed Forces Day, 1961, President Kennedy connected 
                civic engagement and our Nation's security. He stated, 
                ``the strength of our armed forces rests not alone upon 
                their active and reserve members, our industrial 
                productivity, and our human resources, but also upon 
                the understanding and support of an informed American 
                people.'' Based on this perspective, I call upon all 
                Americans to learn more about, and express gratitude 
                for, the heroic efforts of our men and women in 
                uniform.

                 Today, the United States military serves across the 
                world to keep us safe. They are working here at home to 
                protect America from threats foreign and domestic; they 
                are risking their lives in the deserts of Iraq and the 
                mountains of Afghanistan; and they are also serving 
                bravely in many other parts of the world to ensure our 
                security and provide humanitarian assistance. Members 
                of the Armed Forces are forging a better future for our 
                Nation and the world.

                 As they carry out their missions, military families 
                endure the sacrifice of their absence. Worrying about 
                their safety, moving to new duty stations, and managing 
                a home without a loved one, these families shoulder 
                great burdens as they help sustain our men and women in 
                uniform. I thank military families for their vital 
                contributions.

                 The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and 
                Coastguardsmen who have answered the call to service 
                deserve recognition and gratitude. They have endured 
                the most difficult of conditions to protect America and 
                her highest ideals. Today, I ask all Americans to know 
                their sacrifice and join me in humble thanks.

                 NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, and Commander in Chief of the 
                Armed Forces of the United States, continuing the 
                precedent of my predecessors in office, do hereby 
                proclaim the third Saturday of each May as Armed Forces 
                Day.

                 I direct the Secretary of Defense on behalf of the 
                Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and the Secretary 
                of Homeland Security on behalf of the Coast Guard, to 
                plan for appropriate observances each year, with the 
                Secretary of Defense responsible for soliciting the 
                participation and cooperation of civil authorities and 
                private citizens.

                 I invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth 
                of Puerto Rico, and other areas subject to the 
                jurisdiction of the United States, to provide for the 
                observance of Armed Forces Day within their 
                jurisdiction each year in an appropriate manner 
                designed to increase public understanding and 
                appreciation of the Armed Forces of the United States.

                 I also invite national and local veterans, civic and 
                other organizations to join in the observance of Armed 
                Forces Day each year.

                 Finally, I call upon all Americans to display the flag 
                of the United States at their homes on Armed Forces Day 
                and urge citizens to learn more about military service 
                by attending and participating in the local observances

[[Page 23604]]

                of the day. I also encourage Americans to volunteer at 
                organizations that provide support to our troops.

                 Proclamation 7562 of May 16, 2002, is hereby 
                superseded.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fourteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-11834
Filed 5-18-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P