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

 
Proclamation 9474 of August 19, 2016

National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For more than two centuries, brave patriots have given of themselves to
secure our fundamental rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness--and in times of both war and peace, members of the National
Guard and Reserve have stood ready to don our uniform, answer our
Nation's call, and protect our way of life. This week, we recognize the
important role played by the families, employers, and communities of
these men and women in ensuring they can step forward and serve our
country when they are needed most.
There are more than one million members of our National Guard and
Reserve. Throughout the year, they dutifully train and prepare so that
when they are called at a moment's notice to serve their Nation, they
are able to serve with the honor and dedication that have long been
hallmarks of our Armed Forces. Balancing their lives as civilians with
their responsibilities in uniform, they defend and protect our people at
home and abroad. In the face of natural disasters and humanitarian
crises, they are quick to respond and offer assistance; during periods

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of conflict and strife, they help keep us safe and protect our national
interests.
These citizen-Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen
deserve the full backing of their civilian employers and the promise of
a secure and stable life here at home. From the businesses that seek to
recruit and retain these patriots in the workplace to the supporters who
provide leadership and resources, this unconditional care for our
Guardsmen and Reservists and their families is part of what makes our
military the greatest fighting force the world has ever known.
Americans who volunteer to serve their country should always be able to
partake in its opportunities. First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill
Biden's Joining Forces initiative has worked to make it easier for
military spouses and veterans to find employment and ensure they are
supported in the workforce. And my Administration has worked across all
sectors to encourage communities to hire veterans and match members of
the Guard and Reserve to the jobs they deserve. We must never waver in
our commitment to fight for those who have fought for us, and we must
continue striving to connect each of them with opportunities to keep
their families strong and our country competitive.
During National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, let us
honor the members of our Guard and Reserve for their steadfast
dedication to us all--both in and out of uniform. And let us acknowledge
the families, employers, and businesses whose encouragement and
flexibility have enabled our military to thrive, and whose support has
been vital to the success, stability, and security of our Nation.
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 21 through
August 27, 2016, 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
August, 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