[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 29, 2021)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 54025-54026]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-21363]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 186 / Wednesday, September 29, 2021 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 54025]]


                Proclamation 10264 of September 24, 2021

                
Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, 2021

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Throughout our history, America's men and women in 
                uniform have dedicated their lives and made the 
                ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom and the 
                freedom of oppressed people around the world. They are 
                the backbone of America, and make up the bravest, most 
                capable, most selfless military on the face of the 
                Earth. We witnessed that in the historic undertaking to 
                evacuate more than 124,000 American citizens, the 
                citizens of our allies and partners, our Afghan allies, 
                and other at risk Afghans from Kabul, Afghanistan.

                I am outraged by the vicious terrorist attack at the 
                Kabul Airport that took the lives of our brave service 
                members who were working to save the lives of others. 
                My heart aches that this year we have more Gold Star 
                families who must mourn their heroic loved ones. Our 
                Nation is forever indebted to those who gave their last 
                full measure of devotion to defend our peace and 
                security. We are devastated by their loss and inspired 
                by their sacrifice. When we remember these fallen 
                service members, we must also honor the people who 
                mourn their losses. We remember them every day, and on 
                this day, we pay special tribute to their surviving 
                families.

                The families of our fallen men and women in uniform 
                understand the true and painful price of freedom--
                coping with loss and unspeakable grief. And today, on 
                Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, we recognize their 
                enduring pain and honor their resilience. We stand with 
                them to preserve the legacy of their fallen loved ones 
                and pledge that their memories and their sacrifices 
                will never be forgotten.

                Jill and I know the pride, but also the uncertainty and 
                fear, that military families feel when their loved ones 
                are deployed, wondering if they will return home. 
                Whenever I deploy our troops into harm's way, I take 
                that responsibility seriously. It is a burden that I 
                carry every day. Every life lost in service to this 
                country is an unspeakable tragedy, and while we as a 
                Nation can never repay that debt, we have a sacred 
                obligation to support those they leave behind.

                To all of our surviving families, know that our entire 
                Nation grieves with you. Know that there are resources 
                available and ready to support you, and know that the 
                American people will keep our sacred obligation to you 
                and to the memory of your loved one. You represent the 
                best of America, and we are grateful for your courage.

                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, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., 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 Sunday, 
                September 26, 2021, 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

[[Page 54026]]

                flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public 
                expression of our Nation's gratitude and respect for 
                our Gold Star Mothers and Families.

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

[FR Doc. 2021-21363
Filed 9-28-21; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F1-P