    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 9176--SEPT. 26, 2014

    Proclamation 9176 of September 26, 2014

    Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, 2014

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    For generations, mothers and families have given a piece of their heart
    to our Nation as their loved ones serve in our Armed Forces with honor
    and distinction. Seventy years ago, as Americans stormed an unforgiving
    beach, families waited anxiously for a call or a letter from an ocean
    away. And today, many families experience the absence of a deployed
    service member so future generations might know a more just and peaceful
    world. On Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, we pay tribute to all
    those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and to the families who suffered
    the unimaginable pain of losing them so our Union might endure.
    Hung in these families' front windows, blue-turned-gold stars remind us
    of their extraordinary loss and reflect not only the pride still in
    their eyes, but also the tears of pain that will never fully go away.
    Our Gold Star families hold dear to the values for which their loved
    ones gave their lives. With courage and resilience, they preserve the
    memories of the brave men and women we have lost by giving back to their
    communities and working toward a better future. As a Nation, we will
    always honor the sacrifice these families have made.
    Our sacred obligation to our service members and their loved ones will
    never be forgotten. On this day and every day, we salute all those who
    have worn America's uniforms and the families who stand by them. Our
    homeland is stronger and safer because of these heroes. As we celebrate
    the memories of our troops who gave their last full measure of devotion,
    we renew our commitment to look after the loved ones they have left in
    our care.
    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 28, 2014, 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 gratitude and respect for our Gold Star Mothers and
    Families.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of
    September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    ninth.
    BARACK OBAMA