[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 164 (Wednesday, August 24, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 57743-57744]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20394]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 164 / Wednesday, August 24, 2016 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 57743]]

                Proclamation 9474 of August 19, 2016

                
National Employer Support of the Guard and 
                Reserve Week, 2016

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                For more than two centuries, brave patriots have given 
                of themselves to secure our fundamental rights to life, 
                liberty, and the pursuit of happiness--and in times of 
                both war and peace, members of the National Guard and 
                Reserve have stood ready to don our uniform, answer our 
                Nation's call, and protect our way of life. This week, 
                we recognize the important role played by the families, 
                employers, and communities of these men and women in 
                ensuring they can step forward and serve our country 
                when they are needed most.

                There are more than one million members of our National 
                Guard and Reserve. Throughout the year, they dutifully 
                train and prepare so that when they are called at a 
                moment's notice to serve their Nation, they are able to 
                serve with the honor and dedication that have long been 
                hallmarks of our Armed Forces. Balancing their lives as 
                civilians with their responsibilities in uniform, they 
                defend and protect our people at home and abroad. In 
                the face of natural disasters and humanitarian crises, 
                they are quick to respond and offer assistance; during 
                periods of conflict and strife, they help keep us safe 
                and protect our national interests.

                These citizen-Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and 
                Coast Guardsmen deserve the full backing of their 
                civilian employers and the promise of a secure and 
                stable life here at home. From the businesses that seek 
                to recruit and retain these patriots in the workplace 
                to the supporters who provide leadership and resources, 
                this unconditional care for our Guardsmen and 
                Reservists and their families is part of what makes our 
                military the greatest fighting force the world has ever 
                known.

                Americans who volunteer to serve their country should 
                always be able to partake in its opportunities. First 
                Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces 
                initiative has worked to make it easier for military 
                spouses and veterans to find employment and ensure they 
                are supported in the workforce. And my Administration 
                has worked across all sectors to encourage communities 
                to hire veterans and match members of the Guard and 
                Reserve to the jobs they deserve. We must never waver 
                in our commitment to fight for those who have fought 
                for us, and we must continue striving to connect each 
                of them with opportunities to keep their families 
                strong and our country competitive.

                During National Employer Support of the Guard and 
                Reserve Week, let us honor the members of our Guard and 
                Reserve for their steadfast dedication to us all--both 
                in and out of uniform. And let us acknowledge the 
                families, employers, and businesses whose encouragement 
                and flexibility have enabled our military to thrive, 
                and whose support has been vital to the success, 
                stability, and security of our 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 August 21 through 
                August 27, 2016, as National Employer Support of the 
                Guard and Reserve

[[Page 57744]]

                Week. I call upon all Americans to join me in 
                expressing our heartfelt thanks to the members of the 
                National Guard and Reserve and their civilian 
                employers. I also call on State and local officials, 
                private organizations, and all military commanders to 
                observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and 
                activities.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                nineteenth day of August, 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. 2016-20394
Filed 8-23-16; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F6-P