[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 23, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 30875-30876]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-12748]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 23, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 30875]]


                Proclamation 8823 of May 18, 2012

                
Armed Forces Day, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                With every assignment and in every theater, America's 
                men and women in uniform perform their duties with the 
                utmost dignity, honor, and professionalism. Through 
                their dauntless courage and dedication, they live up to 
                our Nation's highest ideals in even the most perilous 
                circumstances. On Armed Forces Day, we pay tribute to 
                the unparalleled service of our Armed Forces and recall 
                the extraordinary feats they accomplish in defense of 
                our Nation.

                As individuals, our service members set extraordinary 
                examples of character for those whose freedom they 
                protect. Together, they comprise the greatest force for 
                freedom and security the world has ever known. From 
                their earliest training to the thick of battle, they 
                look to those with whom they stand shoulder-to-
                shoulder, knowing they rise and fall as one team. 
                United in their love of country, they teach us the true 
                meaning of words like duty, honor, and strength.

                Not just leaders and troops, patriots and heroes, the 
                members of our Armed Forces are also parents, spouses, 
                partners, sons, and daughters. Their families are just 
                as vital to their success as their brothers and sisters 
                in arms, and our debt of gratitude extends to them as 
                well. As we celebrate the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, 
                Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who make our way of life 
                possible, we also pay our deepest respect to their 
                families, our missing, our wounded, and our fallen. 
                Inspired by their service and humbled by their 
                sacrifice, let us recommit to providing all those who 
                have served our Nation the support they deserve.

                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, and 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 
                encouraging 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 leaders, and 
                organizations to join in the observance of Armed Forces 
                Day.

                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.

[[Page 30876]]

                Proclamation 8681 of May 20, 2011, is hereby 
                superseded.

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

[FR Doc. 2012-12748
Filed 5-22-12; 2:15 pm]
Billing code 3295-F2-P