[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 145 (Thursday, July 28, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 49853-49854]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-18088]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 145 / Thursday, July 28, 2016 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 49853]]


                Proclamation 9472 of July 25, 2016

                
National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2016

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In 1950, when Communist armies from the North stormed 
                across the 38th parallel, brave American men and 
                women--though weary of combat in the wake of World War 
                II--stepped forward to defend their brothers and 
                sisters on the Korean Peninsula. Over the course of 3 
                years, through unforgiving weather and severe danger, 
                nearly 1.8 million Americans joined in the fight and 
                faced down Communism--pushing the invading armies back 
                and protecting a people on the other side of the world. 
                As we mark the 63rd anniversary of the Military 
                Armistice Agreement that brought an end to this war, we 
                pause to honor the strength and resilience of our 
                Korean War veterans, whose spirits and stories serve as 
                an inspiration to continue advancing freedom's cause.

                Rising from occupation and ruin, the Republic of Korea 
                today shines as a thriving, modern country, whose 
                people can take comfort in knowing that the commitment 
                of the United States to their stability and security 
                will never waver. Fifty million South Koreans now live 
                in freedom, reaching for their dreams and pursuing 
                opportunities in a vibrant democracy and dynamic 
                economy--always realizing they have a partner who will 
                stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them in defense of 
                peace and prosperity. Our lasting friendship and 
                unbreakable alliance are sustained by the beliefs we 
                hold in common and the values we cherish.

                As we pay tribute to the Americans who gallantly helped 
                forge this bond, we know our solemn responsibilities to 
                our fallen and their loved ones persist long after the 
                battle ends. More than 7,800 Americans are still 
                missing from the Korean War, and we will not stop 
                working to live up to our obligations to their 
                families. We owe all our service members an enormous 
                debt of gratitude. To honor the full weight of the 
                sacrifices made by those who serve, we must uphold our 
                Nation's promise to our veterans when they return home, 
                and fulfill our commitment to all who wear the uniform 
                in our name.

                On National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, we pay 
                tribute to the American patriots who fought for freedom 
                and democracy throughout the Korean War, leaving behind 
                everyone they loved to secure the blessings of liberty 
                for a country they never knew and a people they had 
                never met. For the heavy price they paid, we will 
                forever honor the legacy of their service and uphold 
                the ideals they secured through this hard-won victory.

                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 July 27, 2016, as 
                National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. I call upon 
                all Americans to observe this day with appropriate 
                ceremonies and activities that honor our distinguished 
                Korean War veterans.

[[Page 49854]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and forty-first.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2016-18088
Filed 7-27-16; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F6-P