[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 97 (Thursday, May 20, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 28185-28186]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-12267]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 97 / Thursday, May 20, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 28185]]


                Proclamation 8522 of May 14, 2010

                
Armed Forces Day, 2010

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                America's Armed Forces represent the very best of our 
                national character. They have answered the call to 
                defend our Nation, and their service and sacrifice 
                humble us all. On Armed Forces Day, we pay tribute to 
                these patriots who risk their lives, sometimes giving 
                their last full measure of devotion, to preserve the 
                vision of our forebears and the freedoms we enjoy.

                Our service members carry on the proud traditions of 
                duty and valor that have sustained us from our earliest 
                days of independence. Today, we have the greatest 
                military force in the history of the world because we 
                have the finest personnel in the world. Wherever they 
                are needed, from Iraq and Afghanistan to right here at 
                home, they are serving and protecting our Nation.

                We owe our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and 
                Coast Guardsmen more than our gratitude; we owe them 
                our support. That is why my Administration is committed 
                to ensuring they have the strategy, clear mission, and 
                equipment they need to get the job done, and the 
                resources they deserve when they come home. We are also 
                increasing support for military spouses and families 
                who must deal with the stress and separation of war.

                Today, let us raise our flags high to honor the service 
                members who keep us safe, as we reaffirm our commitment 
                to fulfill our duty to them.

                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 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 I urge citizens to learn more about military 
                service by attending and participating in the local 
                observances of the day. I also encourage Americans to 
                volunteer at organizations that provide support to our 
                troops.

                Proclamation 8380 of May 14, 2009, is hereby 
                superseded.

[[Page 28186]]

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

[FR Doc. 2010-12267
Filed 5-19-10; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P