[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 100 (Tuesday, May 24, 2022)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 31701-31703]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-11322]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 100 / Tuesday, May 24, 2022 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 31701]]


                Proclamation 10400 of May 20, 2022

                
Armed Forces Day, 2022

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On Armed Forces Day, we share our unending appreciation 
                for the proud patriots who answer the call to serve, 
                taking the sacred oath to defend our Constitution. The 
                brave members of our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine 
                Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, and National Guard and 
                Reserve forces represent the best of our Nation. Today 
                and every day, we honor their immeasurable service on 
                behalf of our grateful Nation.

                On this special day of tribute, we recognize the 
                sacrifices that our service members and their families 
                make on our behalf, and we recommit to our solemn duty 
                to support them as they protect us. Our Nation has a 
                sacred obligation to properly equip and prepare our 
                troops when we send them in to harm's way and to 
                support them--both while they are serving abroad and 
                when they return home--as well as their families, 
                caregivers, and survivors. We must meet this 
                obligation.

                My Administration's unity agenda focuses on key issues 
                that bring Americans together: supporting our veterans, 
                beating the opioid epidemic, addressing our national 
                mental health crisis, and ending cancer as we know it. 
                Each of these issues impact our military community, and 
                each is essential to meeting our obligation to our 
                troops, their families, caregivers, and survivors. 
                Mental health issues pose a real challenge to our 
                service members and their families, and my 
                Administration will continue to strengthen the tools, 
                resources, and support for our military community so 
                our brave service members, who have answered the call 
                to serve, can thrive. This includes taking bold action 
                to reduce suicide among service members, veterans, and 
                their families.

                The success of our Armed Forces also rests on every 
                member of our military community feeling that their 
                safety and ability to prosper is prioritized as they 
                defend our Nation. That is why my Administration is so 
                focused on addressing the potential adverse 
                consequences related to toxic exposures or exposures to 
                other environmental hazards during deployment or in 
                garrison.

                Safety for our troops also means addressing the scourge 
                of sexual harassment and sexual assault in our 
                military. We have already taken important steps. In 
                December, I was proud to sign into law historic 
                military justice reforms as part of the 2022 National 
                Defense Authorization Act. The Department of Defense is 
                working to implement these critical changes, alongside 
                recommendations from the Independent Review Commission 
                on Sexual Assault in the Military for prevention, 
                climate and culture, and victim care and support. Much 
                work still lies ahead to deliver the progress that our 
                troops deserve, and this will remain a top priority for 
                my Administration.

                Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths as a 
                Nation, and we will continue to strive for our Armed 
                Forces to reflect society at every level within its 
                ranks. Ensuring equal opportunity and greater 
                inclusivity will bolster the strength of our military 
                and make sure every American knows they can succeed and 
                thrive as a member of the United States Armed Forces. 
                We are renewing our efforts to address the recruitment, 
                retention,

[[Page 31702]]

                and well-being of women in the military as well as 
                providing a path to service for other under-represented 
                groups.

                As we look around the world today, we are reminded 
                again that freedom comes at great cost. Throughout our 
                history, brave Americans have always stepped forward to 
                defend our liberties--willing to pay the price to keep 
                our country safe. Our Nation's Armed Forces are the 
                best in the world. And we know that it is not only the 
                person who wears our Nation's uniform that serves. 
                Their loved ones serve as well. Today, we also honor 
                the families, caregivers, and survivors of our Armed 
                Forces--all those who sacrifice on our behalf and who 
                give their all to support the service members they 
                stand behind.

                On Armed Forces Day, we salute our brave service 
                members, whose dedication and sacrifice ensure that our 
                Nation's Armed Forces are unmatched in strength, unity, 
                and resilience. They are the greatest fighting force 
                the world has ever known.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of 
                the United States of America, and Commander in Chief of 
                the Armed Forces of the United States, continuing the 
                precedent of my predecessors in office, do hereby 
                proclaim the third Saturday of each May as Armed Forces 
                Day.

                I direct the Secretary of Defense, on behalf of the 
                Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and 
                the Secretary of Homeland Security on behalf of the 
                Coast Guard, to plan for appropriate observances each 
                year, with the Secretary of Defense responsible for 
                soliciting the participation and cooperation of civil 
                authorities and private citizens. I invite the 
                Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
                Rico, and other areas subject to the jurisdiction of 
                the United States to provide for the observance of 
                Armed Forces Day within their respective jurisdictions 
                each year in an appropriate manner designed to increase 
                public understanding and appreciation of the Armed 
                Forces of the United States. I also invite veterans, 
                civic leaders, 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 10210 of May 14, 2021, is hereby 
                superseded.

[[Page 31703]]

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

[FR Doc. 2022-11322
Filed 5-23-22; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3395-F2-P