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

    Proclamation 9773 of August 17, 2018

    National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, 2018

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    Since the founding of our great Nation, citizens have put their lives on
    hold to defend our liberty and protect their fellow Americans. Today,
    more than one million Americans proudly serve in the National Guard and
    Reserve. During National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week,
    we take a moment to salute the employers and communities that support
    our citizen Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen.
    Nearly half of our Nation's Armed Forces are comprised of National Guard
    and Reserve members. These dedicated patriots train throughout the year
    to be mission-ready at home and abroad. They balance the demands of
    civilian life with military duties and are a vital component of our
    national defense strategy. Our National Guardsmen and Reservists serve
    with distinction in uniform on all fronts--whether it be mitigating the
    effects of natural disasters and emergencies on our soil, protecting our
    border, or engaging in combat operations around the globe. And when they
    take the uniform off, they apply their leadership skills and desire to
    serve our communities throughout every sector of the civilian world.
    Employers who understand and appreciate the critical mission of our
    National Guard and Reserve provide flexibility and unwavering support in
    the workplace that empowers Guardsmen and Reservists to make invaluable
    contributions to our all-volunteer force. We owe a tremendous debt of
    gratitude to the employers nationwide who understand the importance of a
    strong and ready military. Offices, organizations, and businesses
    nationwide accept the inconveniences of disruptive schedules, temporary
    personnel shortages, and financial burdens, because they know that they
    are helping sustain and advance something far more valuable than their
    bottom lines. Guardsmen and Reservists bring invaluable assets of
    professionalism, commitment, teamwork, and discipline to our Armed
    Forces and to America's businesses.
    My Administration is committed to caring for our military members,
    veterans, and their families. Many civilian employers share this
    unwavering dedication and devotion, and they deserve our deepest
    gratitude. I encourage all Americans to support our brave Guardsmen,
    Reservists, and their families because of their incalculable sacrifices
    to secure and maintain our freedom. Let us remember that the generosity,
    flexibility, and selflessness of their civilian employers are critical
    to their ability to serve our country most effectively.
    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 August 19 through
    August 25, 2018, 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 civilian employers who provide critical support to the men
    and women of the National Guard and Reserve. I also call on State and
    local officials, private organizations, and

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    all military commanders to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies
    and activities.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of
    August, 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