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

    Proclamation 9796 of September 28, 2018

    Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, 2018

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    Courageous Americans of every generation have given their last full
    measure of devotion in defense of our country and our freedom. The
    families who stood alongside these heroes have paid a price no family
    should ever have to pay. Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day is a solemn
    reminder that these families--the families of our fallen service
    members--bear the burden of their loss forever.
    A century ago, President Woodrow Wilson approved a recommendation by the
    Women's Committee of National Defenses for mothers to display a gold
    star on an armband of black cloth to enhance public recognition for the
    loss of their children in World War I. Since then, millions of families
    have tragically traded in blue stars for heroes fighting for America for
    gold stars of the fallen--a badge of honor they wished they would never
    have to hold.
    Although they have suffered unimaginable sorrow, Gold Star families have
    charged forward with inspiring strength and determination, giving
    selflessly to their communities and our country. They support our men
    and women in uniform, our wounded warriors, and our veterans. Their
    unselfish leadership fosters patriotism and encourages us to consider
    what we can do to be better citizens.
    We will never forget those who nobly gave their lives in service to our
    country. Today, we pay tribute to these brave men and women in uniform
    by honoring the mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, brothers, sisters,
    sons, and daughters who have wounds in their hearts that will never be
    fully healed. We will continue to support them as they supported our
    country by selflessly sharing their loved ones for the noble cause of
    freedom. Let us pledge our deep and everlasting respect and gratitude to
    our Gold Star families.

    [[Page 5859]]

    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 30, 2018, 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-eighth day
    of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    third.
    DONALD J. TRUMP