[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 24, 2023)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 33529-33530]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-11208]


 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 24, 2023 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 33529]]


                Proclamation 10585 of May 19, 2023

                
Armed Forces Day, 2023

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On Armed Forces Day, we honor all the members of our 
                Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast 
                Guard, and National Guard and Reserve forces. United by 
                a common call to serve, these brave patriots not only 
                comprise the finest fighting force the world has ever 
                known but also represent the very best of our Nation.

                Today, less than 1 percent of Americans currently wear 
                the uniform--stepping up to defend the other 99 percent 
                of our Nation with honor and courage. Through trials 
                and testing as well as dangers and deployments, our 
                service members remain resilient and resolved in their 
                mission. They--and their families, caregivers, and 
                survivors--also shoulder unique burdens, serving and 
                sacrificing for our Nation's core values: freedom, 
                democracy, and liberty. And this year, as we mark the 
                50th anniversary of our all-volunteer force and the 
                75th anniversaries of a desegregated military and 
                women's integration, we are reminded that our Armed 
                Forces are stronger and more capable than ever because 
                of the diverse range of skillsets and experiences of 
                our service members.

                On Armed Forces Day, we also renew our sacred 
                obligation to all those who serve: to prepare them when 
                we send them into harm's way and care for them and 
                their families while they are deployed and when they 
                return home. That is exactly what my Administration is 
                doing. I have signed more than 25 bipartisan bills, 
                including the PACT Act--the most significant law in our 
                Nation's history to help millions of veterans who were 
                exposed to toxic fumes from burn pits or other toxic 
                substances during their military service--to ensure our 
                service members and veterans and their families, 
                caregivers, and survivors get the support they deserve. 
                We have also expanded access to mental health care for 
                our service members and veterans--a critical step in 
                reducing suicides, which continue to claim far too many 
                lives of our military members. My Administration has 
                also worked to fix the Public Service Loan Forgiveness 
                program--a key step in meeting our commitment to 
                service members and those who have chosen other 
                professions in public service. To date, we have helped 
                over 450,000 borrowers who work in public service, 
                including service members, get nearly $31 billion in 
                student loan forgiveness. And, through the First Lady's 
                Joining Forces initiative, we are helping military 
                spouses find good-paying jobs, ensuring military-
                connected children are supported in their classrooms, 
                and aiding this community with resources to improve 
                their health and well-being.

                Our Nation also has an obligation to ensure that every 
                service member--regardless of gender, gender identity, 
                sexual orientation, race, or religious background--
                feels safe in the ranks and has their contributions 
                fully valued. Within my first month in office, I was 
                proud to rescind the ban on openly transgender people 
                serving in the military because no patriot should be 
                barred from serving their country for being their 
                authentic self. My Administration worked with the 
                Congress to reform how the military investigates and 
                prosecutes sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic 
                violence, and other related crimes, including by 
                shifting authority from commanders to

[[Page 33530]]

                independent prosecutors. Working with leaders across 
                the Department of Defense, I will continue to ensure 
                that a culture of decency and respect always prevails 
                within our ranks--including speaking out and standing 
                up against harassment, abuse, and hate in all its 
                forms.

                Throughout our history, America's Armed Forces have 
                been sentinels of liberty and defenders of dignity. By 
                keeping the flame of freedom burning bright, they have 
                made our Nation stronger and the world safer. So today, 
                let us all join together in honoring their courage, 
                sacrifice, and service.

                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 10400 of May 20, 2022, is hereby 
                superseded.

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

[FR Doc. 2023-11208
Filed 5-23-23; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3395-F3-P