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

 
PROCLAMATION 8829--MAY 25, 2012

Proclamation 8829 of May 25, 2012

Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As we observe the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, we reflect with
solemn reverence upon the valor of a generation that served with honor.
We pay tribute to the more than 3 million servicemen and women who left
their families to serve bravely, a world away from everything they knew
and everyone they loved. From Ia Drang to Khe Sanh, from Hue to Saigon
and countless villages in between, they pushed through jungles and rice
paddies, heat and monsoon, fighting heroically to protect the ideals we
hold dear as Americans. Through more than a decade of combat, over air,
land, and sea, these proud Americans upheld the highest traditions of
our Armed Forces.
As a grateful Nation, we honor more than 58,000 patriots--their names
etched in black granite--who sacrificed all they had and all they would
ever know. We draw inspiration from the heroes who suffered unspeakably
as prisoners of war, yet who returned home with their heads held high.
We pledge to keep faith with those who were wound-


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ed and still carry the
scars of war, seen and unseen. With more than 1,600 of our service
members still among the missing, we pledge as a Nation to do everything
in our power to bring these patriots home. In the reflection of The
Wall, we see the military family members and veterans who carry a pain
that may never fade. May they find peace in knowing their loved ones
endure, not only in medals and memories, but in the hearts of all
Americans, who are forever grateful for their service, valor, and
sacrifice.
In recognition of a chapter in our Nation's history that must never be
forgotten, let us renew our sacred commitment to those who answered our
country's call in Vietnam and those who awaited their safe return.
Beginning on Memorial Day 2012, the Federal Government will partner with
local governments, private organizations, and communities across America
to participate in the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the
Vietnam War--a 13-year program to honor and give thanks to a generation
of proud Americans who saw our country through one of the most
challenging missions we have ever faced. While no words will ever be
fully worthy of their service, nor any honor truly befitting their
sacrifice, let us remember that it is never too late to pay tribute to
the men and women who answered the call of duty with courage and valor.
Let us renew our commitment to the fullest possible accounting for those
who have not returned. Throughout this Commemoration, let us strive to
live up to their example by showing our Vietnam veterans, their
families, and all who have served the fullest respect and support of a
grateful Nation.
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 May 28, 2012, through
November 11, 2025, as the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the
Vietnam War. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to honor
our Vietnam veterans, our fallen, our wounded, those unaccounted for,
our former prisoners of war, their families, and all who served with
appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth 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