[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8399--JULY 24, 2009

Proclamation 8399 of July 24, 2009
National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Fifty-six years after the signing of the Military Armistice Agreement at
Panmunjom, Americans remain grateful for the courage and sacrifice of
our Korean War veterans. More than 600,000 United States and allied
combatants lost their lives in Korea during the 3 years of bitter
warfare that ended on July 27, 1953. Many were also injured, taken as
prisoners of war, and missing in action. These dedicated servicemen and
women, under the banner of the United Nations, fought to secure the
blessings of freedom and democracy on the Korean Peninsula, and they
deserve our unending respect and gratitude.

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123 STAT. 3676

Every day we are reminded of the selfless service of these veterans. The
Korean War Veterans Memorial stands in our Nation's Capital as an
enduring tribute to them. Marching among juniper bushes and rows of
granite, Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen
silently remind all who glimpse their faces of the great challenges that
so many Americans overcame. The strong partnership between the United
States and the Republic of Korea is also a proud testament to our men
and women in uniform.
Today we remember and honor the valor of Korean War veterans and the
extraordinary sacrifices that they and their families made in the cause
of peace.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 July 27, 2009, as
National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. I call upon all Americans to
observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor
and give thanks to our distinguished Korean War veterans. I also ask
Federal departments and agencies and interested groups, organizations,
and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff on
July 27, 2009, in memory of the Americans who died as a result of their
service in Korea.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day
of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fourth.
BARACK OBAMA