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

123 STAT. 3696
 
PROCLAMATION 8415--SEPT. 14, 2009

Proclamation 8415 of September 14, 2009
National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Citizens willing to serve in uniform when duty calls have helped protect
our freedom and security since our Nation's founding more than 200 years
ago. During times of peace, they have worked in our cities and towns,
contributing their skill and energy to local businesses, schools, and
civic organizations. During times of strife at home and abroad, they
have served with distinction, protecting the United States from domestic
and foreign threats. In commemorating National Employer Support of the
Guard and Reserve Week, we honor the courageous members of our Guard and
Reserve and their employers, whose support strengthens our Armed Forces
and helps protect our country.
Our Guard and Reserve personnel are training arduously and serving
valiantly as they are called upon to meet new challenges. Active here at
home and in overseas operations, they are a key component in our
national defense. Members of our Guard and Reserve serve with honor at
home and in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other regions around the world, and
they are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. They
help respond to natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies, and
protect against threats to our national security. Our Nation owes a debt
of gratitude to these brave men and women who balance the demands of
civilian and military life.

Through their continued support and flexibility, employers across the
country bolster the efforts of members of the Guard and Reserve.
Employers often make financial and organizational sacrifices in the
interest of our national security. The commitment of these employers
helps ensure that our troops are mission-ready and provides a measure of
assurance, comfort, and pride to those who leave their jobs and families
behind as they are deployed. The United States is grateful to the many
businesses and organizations that enable Guard and Reserve personnel to
remain engaged in both their professional and their military careers.
The United States has always benefited from the contributions of those
willing to depart the comforts of home to answer the call of duty.
Today, the American people celebrate the service and sacrifice of
members of our Guard and Reserve as we pay special tribute to their
employers for their admirable dedication and support.
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 of America, do hereby proclaim September
13 through September 19, 2009, as National Employer Support of the Guard
and Reserve Week. I encourage all Americans to join me in expressing our
heartfelt thanks to the members of the National Guard and Reserve and
their civilian employers. I also call on State and local officials,
private organizations, and all military commanders, to observe this week
with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

[[Page 3697]]
123 STAT. 3697

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of
September, 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