[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 106 (Friday, June 1, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 32875-32876]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-13514]



[[Page 32873]]

Vol. 77

Friday,

No. 106

June 1, 2012

Part III





The President





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Proclamation 8829--Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam 
War



Proclamation 8830--National Hurricane Preparedness Week, 2012



Proclamation 8831--Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2012
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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 106 / Friday, June 1, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 32875]]

                Proclamation 8829 of May 25, 2012

                
Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the 
                Vietnam War

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                As we observe the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, 
                we reflect with solemn reverence upon the valor of a 
                generation that served with honor. We pay tribute to 
                the more than 3 million servicemen and women who left 
                their families to serve bravely, a world away from 
                everything they knew and everyone they loved. From Ia 
                Drang to Khe Sanh, from Hue to Saigon and countless 
                villages in between, they pushed through jungles and 
                rice paddies, heat and monsoon, fighting heroically to 
                protect the ideals we hold dear as Americans. Through 
                more than a decade of combat, over air, land, and sea, 
                these proud Americans upheld the highest traditions of 
                our Armed Forces.

                As a grateful Nation, we honor more than 58,000 
                patriots--their names etched in black granite--who 
                sacrificed all they had and all they would ever know. 
                We draw inspiration from the heroes who suffered 
                unspeakably as prisoners of war, yet who returned home 
                with their heads held high. We pledge to keep faith 
                with those who were wounded and still carry the scars 
                of war, seen and unseen. With more than 1,600 of our 
                service members still among the missing, we pledge as a 
                Nation to do everything in our power to bring these 
                patriots home. In the reflection of The Wall, we see 
                the military family members and veterans who carry a 
                pain that may never fade. May they find peace in 
                knowing their loved ones endure, not only in medals and 
                memories, but in the hearts of all Americans, who are 
                forever grateful for their service, valor, and 
                sacrifice.

                In recognition of a chapter in our Nation's history 
                that must never be forgotten, let us renew our sacred 
                commitment to those who answered our country's call in 
                Vietnam and those who awaited their safe return. 
                Beginning on Memorial Day 2012, the Federal Government 
                will partner with local governments, private 
                organizations, and communities across America to 
                participate in the Commemoration of the 50th 
                Anniversary of the Vietnam War--a 13-year program to 
                honor and give thanks to a generation of proud 
                Americans who saw our country through one of the most 
                challenging missions we have ever faced. While no words 
                will ever be fully worthy of their service, nor any 
                honor truly befitting their sacrifice, let us remember 
                that it is never too late to pay tribute to the men and 
                women who answered the call of duty with courage and 
                valor. Let us renew our commitment to the fullest 
                possible accounting for those who have not returned. 
                Throughout this Commemoration, let us strive to live up 
                to their example by showing our Vietnam veterans, their 
                families, and all who have served the fullest respect 
                and support of a grateful Nation.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim May 28, 2012, through 
                November 11, 2025, as the Commemoration of the 50th 
                Anniversary of the Vietnam War. I call upon Federal, 
                State, and local officials to honor our Vietnam 
                veterans, our fallen, our wounded, those unaccounted 
                for, our former prisoners of war, their families, and 
                all who served with appropriate programs, ceremonies, 
                and activities.

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                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-fifth 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. 2012-13514
Filed 5-31-12; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P