[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 219 (Monday, November 14, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 79987-79988]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27497]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 219 / Monday, November 14, 2016 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 79987]]


                Proclamation 9539 of November 8, 2016

                
Veterans Day, 2016

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                America has long stood as a beacon of hope and 
                opportunity, and few embody that spirit here at home 
                and beyond our borders more than the members of our 
                Armed Forces. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and 
                Coast Guardsmen are part of an unbroken chain of brave 
                patriots who have served our country with honor and 
                made tremendous sacrifices so that we may live free. On 
                Veterans Day, we salute the women and men who have 
                proudly worn the uniform of the United States of 
                America and the families who have served alongside 
                them, and we affirm our sacred duty as citizens to 
                express our enduring gratitude, both in words and in 
                actions, for their service.

                Our country has the best-trained and best-equipped 
                military force in the world, and we need to make sure 
                we have the most supported and respected veterans in 
                the world. We are a Nation that leaves no one behind, 
                and my Administration has made historic investments to 
                provide veterans access to the resources and education 
                they need to share in our Nation's promise when they 
                return home. Partnering with community leaders across 
                America, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's 
                Joining Forces initiative works to ensure our country's 
                heroes can thrive by combatting veteran homelessness, 
                promoting their emotional well-being, and advancing 
                employment training and placement--and we have made 
                great progress. Today, the unemployment rate for 
                veterans is lower than the national average, and 
                veteran homelessness has been nearly cut in half since 
                2010. We also recognize that some of these courageous 
                men and women have faced and overcome profound 
                challenges, both physically and emotionally, in defense 
                of our freedom. We must continue to provide high 
                quality health care to our veterans and make sure they 
                have the support they have earned and deserve.

                The example our Nation's veterans set throughout their 
                lives is a testament to the drive and perseverance that 
                define the American character. Let us uphold our 
                obligations to these heroic individuals and never 
                forget those who paid the ultimate price for our 
                liberty. On this day and throughout the year, may we 
                sustain their lasting contributions to our Nation's 
                progress and carry forward their legacy by building a 
                future that is stronger, safer, and freer for all.

                With respect for, and in recognition of, the 
                contributions our service members have made to the 
                cause of peace and freedom around the world, the 
                Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 
                11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public 
                holiday to honor our Nation's veterans.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 
                11, 2016, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to 
                recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans 
                through appropriate public ceremonies and private 
                prayers, and by observing 2 minutes of silence for our 
                Nation's veterans. I call upon Federal, State, and 
                local officials to display the flag of the United 
                States and to participate in patriotic activities in 
                their communities. I call on all Americans, including

[[Page 79988]]

                civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, 
                schools, and communities to support this day with 
                commemorative expressions and programs.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                eighth day of November, 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. 2016-27497
Filed 11-10-16; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F7-P