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

 
PROCLAMATION 8569--SEPT. 24, 2010

Proclamation 8569 of September 24, 2010
Gold Star Mother's and Families' Day, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

In a long line of heroes stretching from the greens of Lexington and
Concord to the mountains of Afghanistan, selfless patriots have defended
our lives and liberties with valor and honor. They have been ordinary
Americans who loved their country so profoundly that they were willing
to give their lives to keep it safe and free. As we pay tribute to the
valiant men and women in uniform lost in battle, we also recognize the
deep loss and great strength of those who share in that ultimate
sacrifice: America's Gold Star Mothers and Families.
For those in our Armed Forces who gave their last full measure of
devotion, their loved ones know the high cost of our hard-won freedoms
and security. An empty seat at the table and missed milestones leave a
void that can never be filled, yet the legacy of our fallen heroes lives
on in the people they loved. Their exceptional spirit of service dwells
in the pride of Gold Star parents, who instilled the values that led
these brave men and women to service. It grows in the hearts of their
children, who know that, despite their absence, they gave their lives so
others might be free. And, it echoes in the enduring love of their
spouses--the backbone of our military families--who supported the person
they cherished most in the world in serving our Nation. Though our Gold
Star families have sacrificed more than most can ever imagine, they
still find the courage and strength to comfort other families, support
veterans, and give back to their communities.
It is from these examples of unwavering patriotism that we witness the
values and ideals for which our country was founded, and for which
America's sons and daughters have laid down their lives. As members of a
grateful Nation, we owe a debt we can never repay, but hold this sacred
obligation forever in our hearts, minds, and actions.
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 26,
2010, 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, support, and respect for our Gold
Star Mothers and Families.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA