    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9753 of May 18, 2018

    Armed Forces Day, 2018

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    On Armed Forces Day, we pay tribute to the extraordinary men and women
    who serve our Nation with valor and distinction in all branches of the
    military. This annual observance honors their steadfast service in
    preserving our Nation's peace, preserving our freedom, and defending our
    founding principles.
    Throughout our history, in times of war and peace, our service members
    have served with bravery, skill, and unwavering devotion to duty. There
    is no fighting force that rivals that of the United States military. The
    precious liberties all Americans enjoy are possible because, every day
    and without exception, our Armed Forces relentlessly and tirelessly
    carry out the critical mission of protecting our country, our freedoms,
    and our way of life.
    Taking care of our Armed Forces is one of the highest priorities of my
    Administration. Our military has made tremendous gains against ISIS and
    al-Qa'ida in Syria and Iraq, with ISIS having lost nearly 100 percent of
    the territory it formerly occupied. These successes underscore the
    importance of continuing to support, grow, and modernize our military
    forces--we must ensure that our Armed Forces remain second to none.
    Earlier this year, I signed into law legislation that does just that,
    providing nearly $700 billion in funding for national defense. These
    funds will increase our military's capacity--investing billions in new
    equipment, maintenance, and troop readiness.
    We will never be able to repay fully our heroes for their selfless
    service. We must, therefore, guarantee that we support them and their
    fam

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    ilies here at home so that they can effectively execute their missions
    abroad. I was very pleased to sign into law legislation that gave our
    troops a 2.4 percent pay raise--their largest pay raise in 8 years. I
    was also proud to sign an Executive Order this month to enhance
    employment opportunities for the spouses of our service members. My
    Administration will not stop in our efforts to encourage all sectors of
    our country--private and public--to find ways to support our troops and
    their loved ones.
    On this day, and every day, we owe a debt of gratitude to our service
    members stationed at home and those deployed around the world. All
    across America, we enjoy the blessings of liberty because our Nation's
    finest men and women willingly accept the call to service. We proudly
    salute our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, and
    recognize the families who serve alongside them for their courage and
    commitment.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of
    America, and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United
    States, continuing the tradition of my predecessors in office, do hereby
    proclaim the third Saturday of each May as Armed Forces Day.
    I invite the Governors of the States and Territories and other areas
    subject to the jurisdiction of the United States 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, and other organizations to join in the observance of
    Armed Forces Day each year.
    Finally, I call upon all Americans to display the flag of the United
    States at their homes and businesses 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.
    Proclamation 9615 of May 19, 2017, is hereby superseded.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of
    May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    second.
    DONALD J. TRUMP