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

 
Proclamation 9539 of November 8, 2016

Veterans Day, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America has long stood as a beacon of hope and opportunity, and few
embody that spirit here at home and beyond our borders more than the
members of our Armed Forces. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and
Coast Guardsmen are part of an unbroken chain of brave patriots who have
served our country with honor and made tremendous sacrifices so that we
may live free. On Veterans Day, we salute the women and men who have
proudly worn the uniform of the United States of America and the
families who have served alongside them, and we affirm our sacred duty
as citizens to express our enduring gratitude, both in words and in
actions, for their service.

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Our country has the best-trained and best-equipped military force in the
world, and we need to make sure we have the most supported and respected
veterans in the world. We are a Nation that leaves no one behind, and my
Administration has made historic investments to provide veterans access
to the resources and education they need to share in our Nation's
promise when they return home. Partnering with community leaders across
America, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces
initiative works to ensure our country's heroes can thrive by combatting
veteran homelessness, promoting their emotional well-being, and
advancing employment training and placement--and we have made great
progress. Today, the unemployment rate for veterans is lower than the
national average, and veteran homelessness has been nearly cut in half
since 2010. We also recognize that some of these courageous men and
women have faced and overcome profound challenges, both physically and
emotionally, in defense of our freedom. We must continue to provide high
quality health care to our veterans and make sure they have the support
they have earned and deserve.
The example our Nation's veterans set throughout their lives is a
testament to the drive and perseverance that define the American
character. Let us uphold our obligations to these heroic individuals and
never forget those who paid the ultimate price for our liberty. On this
day and throughout the year, may we sustain their lasting contributions
to our Nation's progress and carry forward their legacy by building a
future that is stronger, safer, and freer for all.
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.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2016, as Veterans Day. I
encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our
veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers, and
by observing 2 minutes of silence for our Nation's veterans. 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 eighth day of
November, 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