[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