[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 131, 115th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9644 of September 22, 2017

Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, 2017

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As we solemnly observe Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, we honor and
extend our deepest gratitude to the families of military service members
who gave their last full measure of devotion to our country. Gold Star
families have paid the ultimate price for our Nation's freedom with the
life of their loved ones. Our grateful Nation grieves

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with them in their loss, but also shares their pride in the selfless
service of their sons and daughters.
Our country is built on the sacrifices of men and women who have
willingly raised their hand to defend our Nation and its security. As
members of our Armed Forces take an oath to protect our freedoms and
liberty, they understand the gravity of their commitment to defend our
way of life. And when that commitment results in the ultimate sacrifice,
we come together as a Nation to walk beside the devoted families left
behind and help them shoulder the vast absence they forever bear. Their
loved ones did not die in vain. They gave of themselves to protect and
defend the freedoms we all enjoy. Despite their grief, these families
bravely move forward with dignity and grace.
Despite having endured unfathomable loss, many Gold Star families have
turned their sorrow into action and community outreach to help others
navigate this difficult journey. Their compassion, courage,
determination, and strength inspire us all.
When the last rifle volley is fired, the final note of Taps echoes and
fades away, and the carefully-folded National Colors are presented, it
is our sacred duty to stand with these patriotic families to ensure they
receive the care, compassion, and respect they have earned. On this day
of remembrance, we pay tribute to those brave men and women in uniform
who died protecting our great Nation, and we stand with the families who
nurtured and loved them. Gold Star families have our sympathy, but more
importantly, they have our respect and our gratitude.
The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat.
1895 as amended), has designated the last Sunday in September as ``Gold
Star Mother's Day.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 September 24, 2017, as
Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day. I call upon all Government
officials to display the flag of the United States over Government
buildings on this special day. I also encourage the American people to
display the flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression
of our Nation's gratitude and respect for our Gold Star Mothers and
Families.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
second.
DONALD J. TRUMP