[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