[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 193 (Thursday, October 4, 2018)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 50251-50252]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21819]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 83 , No. 193 / Thursday, October 4, 2018 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 50251]]


                Proclamation 9796 of September 28, 2018

                
Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, 2018

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Courageous Americans of every generation have given 
                their last full measure of devotion in defense of our 
                country and our freedom. The families who stood 
                alongside these heroes have paid a price no family 
                should ever have to pay. Gold Star Mother's and 
                Family's Day is a solemn reminder that these families--
                the families of our fallen service members--bear the 
                burden of their loss forever.

                A century ago, President Woodrow Wilson approved a 
                recommendation by the Women's Committee of National 
                Defenses for mothers to display a gold star on an 
                armband of black cloth to enhance public recognition 
                for the loss of their children in World War I. Since 
                then, millions of families have tragically traded in 
                blue stars for heroes fighting for America for gold 
                stars of the fallen--a badge of honor they wished they 
                would never have to hold.

                Although they have suffered unimaginable sorrow, Gold 
                Star families have charged forward with inspiring 
                strength and determination, giving selflessly to their 
                communities and our country. They support our men and 
                women in uniform, our wounded warriors, and our 
                veterans. Their unselfish leadership fosters patriotism 
                and encourages us to consider what we can do to be 
                better citizens.

                We will never forget those who nobly gave their lives 
                in service to our country. Today, we pay tribute to 
                these brave men and women in uniform by honoring the 
                mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, brothers, sisters, 
                sons, and daughters who have wounds in their hearts 
                that will never be fully healed. We will continue to 
                support them as they supported our country by 
                selflessly sharing their loved ones for the noble cause 
                of freedom. Let us pledge our deep and everlasting 
                respect and gratitude to our Gold Star families.

                The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 
                23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895 as amended), has designated the 
                last Sunday in September as ``Gold Star Mother's Day.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 30, 2018, 
                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 gratitude and respect for our Gold Star 
                Mothers and Families.

[[Page 50252]]

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

[FR Doc. 2018-21819
Filed 10-3-18; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F9-P