[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9048--OCT. 31, 2013

Proclamation 9048 of October 31, 2013

Military Family Month, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Throughout our Nation's history, an unbroken chain of patriots has
strengthened us in times of peace and defended us in times of war. Yet
the courageous men and women of the United States military do not serve
alone. Standing alongside them are husbands and wives, parents and
children, sisters and brothers. During Military Family Month, we
celebrate the families who make daily sacrifices to keep our Nation




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whole, and we remember a most sacred obligation--to serve them as well
as they serve us.
Military families exemplify the courage and resolve that define our
national character. For their country and their loved ones, they rise to
the challenges of multiple deployments and frequent moves--spouses who
care and provide for children in their partners' absence, kids who make
new friends and leave known comforts behind. They are the force behind
the force, patriots who support their family members in uniform while
enriching the communities they call home.
While our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen are
defending the country they love, their country must provide for the
families they love. Through First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill
Biden's Joining Forces initiative, my Administration has worked
tirelessly to engage American citizens and businesses in this cause.
Joining Forces encourages the private sector to hire veterans and
military spouses, helps schools become more responsive to military
children's needs, and expands access to wellness and education programs
for military families. Since the initiative began in 2011, businesses
have hired and trained more than 290,000 veterans and military spouses.
My Administration is also taking action to improve mental health care
and education for veterans, service members, and their families. Last
year, I signed an Executive Order directing the Federal Government to
increase access to these vital services. And this year, as a result of
the Supreme Court decision striking down Section 3 of the Defense of
Marriage Act, the Department of Defense moved swiftly to extend benefits
to legally married same-sex couples.
Time and again, our service members and their families have sacrificed
to protect the promise that defines our Nation--life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness. As we work to repay this enormous debt of
gratitude, I encourage every American to do their part. Together, let us
support our military children as they learn, grow, and live their
dreams. And let us keep our military families strong and secure.
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 November 2013 as
Military Family Month. I call on all Americans to honor military
families through private actions and public service for the tremendous
contributions they make in the support of our service members and our
Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of
October in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.
BARACK OBAMA