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

 
Proclamation 9364 of November 5, 2015

Veterans Day, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The United States military is the strongest, most capable fighting force
the world has ever known. The brave men and women of our Army, Navy, Air
Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard demonstrate a resolute spirit and
unmatched selflessness, and their service reminds us there are few
things more American than giving of ourselves to make a difference in
the lives of others. On Veterans Day, we reflect on the immeasurable
burdens borne by so few in the name of so many, and we rededicate
ourselves to supporting those who have worn America's uniform and the
families who stand alongside them.
Our true strength as a Nation is measured by how we take care of our
veterans when they return home, and my Administration is committed to
ensuring our heroes and their loved ones have every chance to share in
the promise they risked their lives to defend. We have made it easier
for veterans to convert their military skills to the civilian workforce,
enabled more veterans and their family members to attain Federal
education benefits, and expanded access to timely, quality health care
for all veterans. Just as every veteran deserves the support and
benefits they have earned, those who have given everything to defend our
homeland deserve a place of their own to call home. To uphold this
ideal, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces
initiative has forged partnerships with local leaders across America to
uphold the dignity of every veteran and work to end veterans'
homelessness. No one who fights for our country should have to fight for
the care they deserve. Earlier this year, I was proud to sign the Clay
Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, which fills critical
gaps in mental health care by raising awareness and taking steps to
improve access to care for those suffering from the invisible wounds of
war.
Our veterans left everything they knew and loved and served with
exemplary dedication and courage so we could all know a safer America
and a more just world. They have been tested in ways the rest of us may
never fully understand, and it is our duty to fulfill our sacred
obligation to our veterans and their families. On Veterans Day, and
every day, let us show them the extraordinary gratitude they so rightly
deserve, and let us recommit to pledging our full support for them in
all they do.
With respect for, and in recognition of, the contributions our service
members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world,
the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each
year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation's
veterans.

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NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2015, as Veterans Day. I
encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our
veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I
call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the
United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their
communities. I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal
organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support
this day with commemorative expressions and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of
November, 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