[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9452 of May 20, 2016

Armed Forces Day, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who comprise
our Armed Forces have defended our Nation and the values for which we
stand for generations, answering the call to give up the comforts of
civilian life, do whatever it takes to keep us safe, and go wherever
they are needed. On Armed Forces Day, we offer our most profound
gratitude to the patriots--at home and abroad--who have risked their
lives so our people can live knowing the fullest measure of freedom and
security.
With courage and honor, our men and women in uniform embody the
everlasting responsibility we have to each other and to future
generations by giving of themselves to ensure the preservation of our
Republic and secure peace throughout the world. It is because of them
and the values they represent that people across the globe look to the
United States of America in moments of desperation and despair. For the
relief they offer, the stability they provide, and the hope they
inspire, we owe our service members an extraordinary debt--one we will
never stop working to repay.
Our country's strength is measured by how we support and take care of
our troops. Humbled by the sacrifices they make--and by the strength of
their families--we stand in support of those who don our uniform and
strive to ensure they have every opportunity to pursue the American
dream they defend. They give their best for America, and they deserve
the best from us. On this day, let us salute these brave Americans and
all those who laid down their lives for our safety, and each day, let us
remember that we live knowing liberty because of our Armed Forces.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United
States, continuing the precedent of my predecessors in office, do hereby
proclaim the third Saturday of each May as Armed Forces Day.
I direct the Secretary of Defense on behalf of the Army, Navy, Air
Force, and Marine Corps, and the Secretary of Homeland Security on
behalf of the Coast Guard, to plan for appropriate observances each
year, with the Secretary of Defense responsible for encouraging the
participation and cooperation of civil authorities and private citizens.

[[Page 3196]]

I invite the Governors of the United States and its Territories, and
appropriate officials of all units of government, to provide for the
observance of Armed Forces Day within their jurisdiction each year in an
appropriate manner designed to increase public understanding and
appreciation of the Armed Forces of the United States. I also invite
veterans, civic leaders, and organizations to join in the observance of
Armed Forces Day.
Finally, I call upon all Americans to display the flag of the United
States at their homes on Armed Forces Day, and I urge citizens to learn
more about military service by attending and participating in the local
observances of the day. I also encourage Americans to volunteer at
organizations that provide support to our troops and their families.
Proclamation 9283 of May 15, 2015, is hereby superseded.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA