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

    PROCLAMATION 9171--SEPT. 19, 2014

    Proclamation 9171 of September 19, 2014

    National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, 2014

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    On the eve of our Nation's birth, a courageous people stood up to the
    tyranny of an empire and declared their independence. They proclaimed
    the values of equality and justice and fought a revolution to secure
    them. In 13 colonies, farmers and tradesmen laid their lives on the
    line, picked up arms, and answered their new country's call to defend
    freedom.
    Throughout our history, patriotic Americans have always stepped up in
    our Nation's time of need. It is in this spirit that our National Guard
    and Reserve members carry forward a proud legacy of service and
    sacrifice. This week, we honor all those who stand ready to defend our
    way of life and the families, employers, and communities who support
    them.
    More than 1 million citizen-Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and
    Coast Guardsmen serve our country in the National Guard and Reserve.
    They live in our communities and work in our cities and towns. We know
    them as our teachers, coaches, and doctors--but when a crisis strikes or
    the strength of our military is needed, they leave the comfort of their
    civilian lives to protect our Nation. Members of the Guard and Reserve
    have responded to disasters at home and have served tours of duty in
    Iraq and Afghanistan.
    Our country is grateful to all our Guardsmen and Reservists and the
    employers who stand behind them and their families. By providing
    workplace flexibility and helping the advancement of their civilian
    careers, employers ease the burden on those who serve and their loved
    ones. And we appreciate all our country's businesses that go above and
    beyond in small and large ways to recognize our patriots. We know that
    when it comes to supporting our Nation's heroes, everybody can do
    something--every business, every school, and every American.
    The United States has a profound obligation to care for those who serve
    in our Armed Forces, and my Administration will keep providing
    unprecedented support to the members of our military. We have increased
    access to Federal education benefits for service members and their loved
    ones and worked to improve our veterans health care system. This year,
    in conjunction with First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's
    Joining Forces initiative, we launched the Veterans Employment Center,
    an online tool that connects veterans, transitioning service members,
    and their families with employers who are seeking to leverage their
    skills and talents. It is the first Government-wide program to bring
    career resources and job opportunities together in one place. My
    Administration will keep engaging all sectors of society to give our
    military communities the support they have earned.
    During National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, we
    salute the heroes in our everyday lives. As a Nation, let us renew our
    commitment to serve the families who represent the best of America as
    well as they serve us.

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    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 21 through
    September 27, 2014, as National Employer Support of the Guard and
    Reserve Week. I call upon all Americans to join me in expressing our
    heartfelt thanks to the members of the National Guard and Reserve and
    their civilian employers. I also call on State and local officials,
    private organizations, and all military commanders, to observe this week
    with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth 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