[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 101 (Thursday, May 24, 2018)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 24215-24216]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11373]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 101 / Thursday, May 24, 2018 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 24215]]


                Proclamation 9753 of May 18, 2018

                
Armed Forces Day, 2018

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On Armed Forces Day, we pay tribute to the 
                extraordinary men and women who serve our Nation with 
                valor and distinction in all branches of the military. 
                This annual observance honors their steadfast service 
                in preserving our Nation's peace, preserving our 
                freedom, and defending our founding principles.

                Throughout our history, in times of war and peace, our 
                service members have served with bravery, skill, and 
                unwavering devotion to duty. There is no fighting force 
                that rivals that of the United States military. The 
                precious liberties all Americans enjoy are possible 
                because, every day and without exception, our Armed 
                Forces relentlessly and tirelessly carry out the 
                critical mission of protecting our country, our 
                freedoms, and our way of life.

                Taking care of our Armed Forces is one of the highest 
                priorities of my Administration. Our military has made 
                tremendous gains against ISIS and al-Qa'ida in Syria 
                and Iraq, with ISIS having lost nearly 100 percent of 
                the territory it formerly occupied. These successes 
                underscore the importance of continuing to support, 
                grow, and modernize our military forces--we must ensure 
                that our Armed Forces remain second to none. Earlier 
                this year, I signed into law legislation that does just 
                that, providing nearly $700 billion in funding for 
                national defense. These funds will increase our 
                military's capacity--investing billions in new 
                equipment, maintenance, and troop readiness.

                We will never be able to repay fully our heroes for 
                their selfless service. We must, therefore, guarantee 
                that we support them and their families here at home so 
                that they can effectively execute their missions 
                abroad. I was very pleased to sign into law legislation 
                that gave our troops a 2.4 percent pay raise--their 
                largest pay raise in 8 years. I was also proud to sign 
                an Executive Order this month to enhance employment 
                opportunities for the spouses of our service members. 
                My Administration will not stop in our efforts to 
                encourage all sectors of our country--private and 
                public--to find ways to support our troops and their 
                loved ones.

                On this day, and every day, we owe a debt of gratitude 
                to our service members stationed at home and those 
                deployed around the world. All across America, we enjoy 
                the blessings of liberty because our Nation's finest 
                men and women willingly accept the call to service. We 
                proudly salute our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, 
                and Coast Guardsmen, and recognize the families who 
                serve alongside them for their courage and commitment.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the 
                United States of America, and Commander in Chief of the 
                Armed Forces of the United States, continuing the 
                tradition of my predecessors in office, do hereby 
                proclaim the third Saturday of each May as Armed Forces 
                Day.

                I invite the Governors of the States and Territories 
                and other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the 
                United States to provide for the observance of Armed 
                Forces Day within their jurisdiction each year in an 
                appropriate manner designed to increase public 
                understanding and appreciation of the

[[Page 24216]]

                Armed Forces of the United States. I also invite 
                veterans, civic, and other organizations to join in the 
                observance of Armed Forces Day each year.

                Finally, I call upon all Americans to display the flag 
                of the United States at their homes and businesses on 
                Armed Forces Day, and I urge citizens to learn more 
                about military service by attending and participating 
                in the local observances of the day.

                Proclamation 9615 of May 19, 2017, is hereby 
                superseded.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                eighteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                second.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2018-11373
Filed 5-23-18; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F8-P