[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8823--MAY 18, 2012

Proclamation 8823 of May 18, 2012

Armed Forces Day, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

With every assignment and in every theater, America's men and women in
uniform perform their duties with the utmost dignity, honor, and
professionalism. Through their dauntless courage and dedication, they
live up to our Nation's highest ideals in even the most perilous
circumstances. On Armed Forces Day, we pay tribute to the unparalleled
service of our Armed Forces and recall the extraordinary feats they
accomplish in defense of our Nation.
As individuals, our service members set extraordinary examples of
character for those whose freedom they protect. Together, they comprise
the greatest force for freedom and security the world has ever known.
From their earliest training to the thick of battle, they look to those
with whom they stand shoulder-to-shoulder, knowing they rise and fall as
one team. United in their love of country, they teach us the true
meaning of words like duty, honor, and strength.
Not just leaders and troops, patriots and heroes, the members of our
Armed Forces are also parents, spouses, partners, sons, and daughters.
Their families are just as vital to their success as their brothers and
sisters in arms, and our debt of gratitude extends to them as well. As
we celebrate the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen
who make our way of life possible, we also pay our deepest respect to
their families, our missing, our wounded, and our fallen. Inspired by
their service and humbled by their sacrifice, let us recommit to
providing all those who have served our Nation the support they deserve.
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,

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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, and 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 encouraging 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 leaders, and organizations to join in the
observance of Armed Forces Day.
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 8681 of May 20, 2011, is hereby superseded.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA