[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8522--MAY 14, 2010

Proclamation 8522 of May 14, 2010
Armed Forces Day, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

America's Armed Forces represent the very best of our national
character. They have answered the call to defend our Nation, and their
service and sacrifice humble us all. On Armed Forces Day, we pay tribute
to these patriots who risk their lives, sometimes giving their last full
measure of devotion, to preserve the vision of our forebears and the
freedoms we enjoy.
Our service members carry on the proud traditions of duty and valor that
have sustained us from our earliest days of independence. Today, we have
the greatest military force in the history of the world because we have
the finest personnel in the world. Wherever they are needed, from Iraq
and Afghanistan to right here at home, they are serving and protecting
our Nation.
We owe our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen more
than our gratitude; we owe them our support. That is why my
Administration is committed to ensuring they have the strategy, clear
mission, and equipment they need to get the job done, and the resources
they deserve when they come home. We are also increasing support for
military spouses and families who must deal with the stress and
separation of war.
Today, let us raise our flags high to honor the service members who keep
us safe, as we reaffirm our commitment to fulfill our duty to them.

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NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 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 jurisdiction
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, 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 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. I also encourage Americans to volunteer at
organizations that provide support to our troops.
Proclamation 8380 of May 14, 2009, is hereby superseded.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA