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

 
Proclamation 9472 of July 25, 2016

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In 1950, when Communist armies from the North stormed across the 38th
parallel, brave American men and women--though weary of combat in the
wake of World War II--stepped forward to defend their brothers and
sisters on the Korean Peninsula. Over the course of 3 years, through
unforgiving weather and severe danger, nearly 1.8 million Americans
joined in the fight and faced down Communism--pushing the invading
armies back and protecting a people on the other side of the world. As
we mark the 63rd anniversary of the Military Armistice Agreement that
brought an end to this war, we pause to honor the strength and
resilience of our Korean War veterans, whose spirits and stories serve
as an inspiration to continue advancing freedom's cause.
Rising from occupation and ruin, the Republic of Korea today shines as a
thriving, modern country, whose people can take comfort in knowing that
the commitment of the United States to their stability and security will
never waver. Fifty million South Koreans now live in freedom, reaching
for their dreams and pursuing opportunities in a vibrant democracy and
dynamic economy--always realizing they have a partner who will stand
shoulder-to-shoulder with them in defense of peace and prosperity. Our
lasting friendship and unbreakable alliance are sustained by the beliefs
we hold in common and the values we cherish.
As we pay tribute to the Americans who gallantly helped forge this bond,
we know our solemn responsibilities to our fallen and their loved ones
persist long after the battle ends. More than 7,800 Americans are still
missing from the Korean War, and we will not stop working to live up to
our obligations to their families. We owe all our service members an
enormous debt of gratitude. To honor the full weight of the sacrifices
made by those who serve, we must uphold our Nation's promise to our
veterans when they return home, and fulfill our commitment to all who
wear the uniform in our name.

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On National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, we pay tribute to the
American patriots who fought for freedom and democracy throughout the
Korean War, leaving behind everyone they loved to secure the blessings
of liberty for a country they never knew and a people they had never
met. For the heavy price they paid, we will forever honor the legacy of
their service and uphold the ideals they secured through this hard-won
victory.
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 July 27, 2016, as
National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. I call upon all Americans to
observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor
our distinguished Korean War veterans.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of
July, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.
BARACK OBAMA