[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 22, 2024)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 44907-44908]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-11390]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 22, 2024 /
Presidential Documents
[[Page 44907]]
Proclamation 10762 of May 17, 2024
Armed Forces Day, 2024
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force,
Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserve Forces
comprise the greatest fighting force the world has ever
known. Throughout the annals of history, they have
stood on the frontlines of freedom--risking everything
to keep the light of liberty burning bright at home and
around the globe. On Armed Forces Day, we honor their
service. We remember their selfless sacrifices. We
renew our solemn vow to them and their families,
caregivers, and survivors.
Our Nation has many obligations but only one that is
truly sacred: to train and equip those we send into
harm's way and care for them and their families when
they come home. Since I came into office, I have signed
over 30 bipartisan bills to support our service
members, our veterans, and their families. That
includes the PACT Act--the most significant law in our
Nation's history to help the millions of veterans who
were exposed to toxic substances and burn pits during
their military service. Further, we are working to
ensure that service members and their families have
access to the mental health care they need--an
important step toward ending the silent scourge of
suicide that has already taken too many lives.
At the same time, we are working to give service
members, veterans, and their families some well-
deserved breathing room. My Administration helped fix
the student loan system, easing the burden of $160
billion of student debt for nearly 4.6 million Federal
student loan borrowers through various actions. This
year, I took the most comprehensive set of
administrative actions in our Nation's history to
support the economic security of military families,
spouses, caregivers, and survivors. We are making it
easier for military spouses to find work by making it
easier for the Federal Government to hire them,
encouraging employers to offer more flexible leave
policies, and lowering the cost of child care for
military families. Through the First Lady's Joining
Forces Initiative, we are taking further action to
support military and veteran spouses in finding and
keeping good-paying jobs as well as health and wellness
resources.
As Commander in Chief, I am committed to ensuring that
every member of our military feels safe and respected--
and that means ensuring inclusivity, dignity, and
decency remain at the core of the culture of our Armed
Forces. I am proud to have implemented historic,
bipartisan reforms to our military justice system,
which better protect victims and ensure prosecutorial
decisions for sexual assault, domestic violence, and
other crimes are fully independent from the chain of
command. One of my earliest acts in office was to end
the ban on transgender Americans serving openly in the
military. My Administration will continue to stand up
to all forms of harassment and hate within our ranks so
that all our service members can thrive.
No matter how high the cost, how great the risk, or how
heavy the burden--through long deployments and dangers,
frequent moves and challenging trainings, and the many
other unique burdens of serving our country--our
Nation's Armed Forces have always met the moment. They
exemplify the very best of our Nation. Today--and every
day--let us honor their
[[Page 44908]]
service, sacrifice, courage, and commitment. Let us
continue to meet our sacred obligation to them and
their families, caregivers, and survivors.
May God bless and protect our service members and
veterans.
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, and 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 10585 of May 19, 2023, is hereby
superseded.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventeenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
eighth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 2024-11390
Filed 5-21-24; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3395-F4-P