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

 
PROCLAMATION 8872--SEPT. 28, 2012

Proclamation 8872 of September 28, 2012

Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

From the revolution that gave life to our Republic to the trials of our
times, our men and women in uniform have put themselves in harm's way to
defend the people they love and the land they cherish. Their actions
attest not only to the depth of their sacrifice, but also to a belief in
their country so profound they were willing to give their lives for it.
Today, we pay solemn tribute to all who did. Sons and daughters, fathers
and mothers, husbands and wives, they were all patriots--and with a
devotion to duty that goes without equal, these proud Americans gave of
themselves until they had nothing more to give.
As a grateful Nation honors our fallen service members, so do we honor
the families who keep their memory burning bright. They are parents who
face the loss of a child, spouses who carry an emptiness that cannot be
filled, children who know sorrow that defies comprehension. The grief
they hold in their hearts is a grief most cannot fully know. But as
fellow Americans, we must lend our strength to those families who have
given so much for our country. Their burdens are ones that no one should
have to bear alone, and it is up to all of us to live our lives in a way
worthy of their sacrifice.
On this day of remembrance, let us rededicate ourselves to upholding the
sacred trust we share with our Gold Star families and the heroes we have
laid to rest. Let us always remember that the blessings we enjoy as free
people in a free society came at a dear cost. Let us hold the memories
of our fallen close to our hearts, and let us mark each day by heeding
the example they set. Finally, let us forever keep faith with our men
and women in uniform, our veterans, and our military families by serving
them as well as they have served us. Our Union endures because of their
courage and selflessness, and today, we resolve anew to show them the
care and support they so deeply deserve.
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 30, 2012, 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 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-eighth day
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA