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

 

PROCLAMATION 8422--SEPT. 25, 2009

Proclamation 8422 of September 25, 2009
Gold Star Mother's and Families' Day, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

The sacrifices of our military servicemembers are etched in the walls of
our monuments and felt at empty dinner tables across America. To those
who have given their lives for our country, we honor them as guardians
of our liberty and pay tribute to their valiant service. As our Nation
remembers our fallen men and women in uniform, we also recognize the
profound loss and sorrow of the family members they leave behind.
Few know the honor of service and the costs of war more than Gold Star
Mothers and Families. They have given our Nation their most precious
treasure, and we remain forever in their debt. Honoring the memory of
their lost loved ones, these extraordinary individuals dedicate
themselves to helping heal the hearts of other military families who
bear the great burden of loss. Through their strength and service, they
emulate their loved one's selfless dedication to our country.
On this day, we express immense gratitude and profound respect for Gold
Star Mothers and Families. Our country's fallen heroes left the comfort
of home so that we might know a more peaceful world. They endured
extreme hardship so that we might enjoy freedom. They made the ultimate
sacrifice so that we might be safe. They represent the best of America.
In their memory, may we fulfill our solemn obligation to

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continue their work of securing a safer, freer world for generations to
come.
The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat.
1895 as amended), has designated the last Sunday in September as ``Gold
Star Mother's Day.''
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 Sunday, September 27,
2008, as Gold Star Mother's and Families' Day. I call upon all
Government officials to display the flag of the United States over
Government buildings on this special day. I also encourage the American
people to display the flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public
expression of our Nation's sympathy and respect for our Gold Star
Mothers and Families.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth 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