[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 190 (Tuesday, October 1, 2013)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 60179-60180]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-24050]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 78 , No. 190 / Tuesday, October 1, 2013 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 60179]]


                Proclamation 9025 of September 26, 2013

                
Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, 2013

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In our city centers and our bustling parks, monuments 
                stand dedicated to visionary leaders and singular 
                moments in the life of our Republic. But in empty seats 
                at family dinners and folded flags above the mantle, we 
                find the constant thread of our Nation's character--the 
                truth that America endures because it is home to an 
                unbroken line of patriots willing to lay down their 
                lives for the land they love. As we honor the men and 
                women who gave their last full measure of devotion, we 
                hold close the families left behind.

                Most of us can only imagine the pain of a mother who 
                loses a daughter, the husband who loses his partner, or 
                the son who loses a father. Prepared to serve others at 
                any cost, their loved ones exemplified the values of 
                courage and selflessness that define our Armed Forces 
                and fortify our Union. The families of the fallen 
                embody that same character. Amid their sorrow, these 
                homefront heroes support one another and lift up their 
                communities. As our country seeks to understand the 
                depth of their sacrifice, we draw strength and 
                inspiration from their example.

                On this day, we remember our commitment to the Gold 
                Star mothers and families who carry on with pride and 
                resolve despite unthinkable loss. We recall our sacred 
                obligation to those who gave their lives so we could 
                live ours. As a grateful Nation, we declare that we 
                will never forget their sacrifice, and we renew our 
                promise to build a future worthy of their devotion. We 
                also recognize our countrymen and women who continue 
                the fight, putting their lives on the line each day. 
                Long after the battle is over, we will continue to give 
                our military and Gold Star families the care and 
                support they deserve--in a listening ear, a comforting 
                shoulder, a helping hand, and a moment given to keep 
                alive the memories of their Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, 
                Marines, and Coast Guardsmen.

                The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 
                23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1985 as amended), has designated the 
                last Sunday in September as ``Gold Star Mother's Day.''

                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 September 29, 2013, 
                as Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day. I call upon all 
                Government officials to display the flag of the United 
                States over Government buildings on this special day. I 
                also encourage the American people to display the flag 
                and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression 
                of our Nation's sympathy and respect for our Gold Star 
                Mothers and Families.

[[Page 60180]]

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

[FR Doc. 2013-24050
Filed 9-30-13; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F4