[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9307 of August 14, 2015

National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The United States military is the finest fighting force the world has
ever known--not just because of our weapons or technology, but because
of the spirit, skill, and selflessness of our devoted military
personnel. For more than two centuries, patriotic Americans have served
our Nation and protected our values, making enormous sacrifices to
defend freedom and democracy here at home and around the globe. Today,
the women and men of the National Guard and Reserve carry forward this
proud legacy with honor and distinction. During National Employer
Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, we salute our country's citizen-
warriors and the families, employers, and communities who support them.
More than one million citizen-Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and
Coast Guardsmen protect our Nation as Guardsmen and Reservists. Beyond
serving their communities, raising their families, and playing a vital
part in America's workforce, these heroes find time throughout the year
to train and prepare for new challenges and missions in the event their
Nation needs them. With unmatched skill and professionalism, they have
answered our country's call to serve--responding to disasters in the
United States and carrying out tours of duty far from home, including in
Afghanistan and Iraq.

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As a Nation, we must make it our mission to serve all our military
members as well as they serve us--and this includes supporting their
families, who step up and make enormous sacrifices while their loved
ones are away from home. My Administration will continue to provide our
unwavering support and ensure all those who sacrifice for our Nation
have access to the services, benefits, and care they deserve. And as
part of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces
initiative, we are encouraging all Americans to do their part to lift up
our heroes. Around our country, communities and business leaders have
recognized that they too can help America meet its obligations to the
women and men of the Guard and Reserve by providing workplace
flexibility and opportunities for advancement in their civilian careers.
As Commander in Chief, I am grateful to our employers and business
leaders who go above and beyond to ease the burden on those who serve,
and I encourage all Americans to join in their efforts.
Our Nation has made a sacred promise to all members of the Armed Forces,
and every person can play a part in honoring that promise. This week, we
celebrate the women and men who keep our country safe and defend the way
of life we cherish. As a Nation, let us join together to thank our
Guardsmen and Reservists, as well as their employers--who know the value
service brings to the workplace, who see service members as an essential
part of their teams, and whose support is vital to the readiness and
strength of the greatest fighting force on Earth.
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 August 16 through
August 22, 2015, 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 fourteenth day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA