[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8722 of September 23, 2011

Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Since our Nation's earliest days, the men and women of our Armed Forces
have demonstrated the courage and heroism that have come to define
America. Across shores, in deserts, and on city streets around the
world, extraordinary Americans have given their last full measure of
devotion defending the freedoms we cherish. Their ultimate sacrifice is
one we can never fully repay, and the enormity of the grief their
families carry we can never fully know.
Gold Star mothers and families know the immeasurable cost of fighting
for the ideals we believe in, and they know the pride that comes with
exemplary service to America. On this day, and every day, we offer them
our deep gratitude and respect, and we are inspired by their strength
and determination. Through heartbreaking loss, our Gold Star families
continue to support one another, serve their communities, and bring
comfort to the men and women of our Armed Forces and their families.
Our fallen heroes answered their country's call to duty, sacrificing all
they had and all they would ever know. Their families exemplify that
same mark of selflessness and patriotism that has sustained our country
and will sustain us through trials to come. We honor their sacrifice,
and stand with our service members, military families, and Gold Star
families as they have stood for us. Today, we reaffirm our promise to
care for those left behind, to uphold the ideals for which the fallen
gave their lives, and to carry with us their legacy as we work toward a
better future.
The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat.
1985 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 September 25, 2011, as
Gold Star Mother's and Family's 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

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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-third day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA