    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 133, 116th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9892 of May 17, 2019

    Armed Forces Day, 2019

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    From Normandy and Iwo Jima through Operations Desert Storm and Inherent
    Resolve, our Nation's Armed Forces have consistently made us proud by
    defeating our enemies and defending the freedoms we cherish. Their
    bravery, love of country, and devotion to duty are unmatched, and we are
    eternally grateful for the sacrifices they make for all American
    citizens. On Armed Forces Day, we honor all of the Soldiers, Sailors,
    Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who make up the finest military in
    the world.
    Every day, tens of thousands of American troops risk their lives and
    sacrifice time with their families and friends to protect our national
    security and keep us safe. Through their strength and dedication to our
    country, they protect our freedoms, interests, and way of life at duty
    stations all around the world. We thank them for their incredible
    service, and we recognize that our Nation has a sacred obligation to
    ensure that our Armed Forces remain ready and fully equipped to face any
    threat.
    As President, I am committed to empowering America's warriors with every
    advantage they need to fulfill their missions. During the last 2 years,
    our Armed Forces have had one victory after another against ISIS,
    culminating in March with the liberation of 100 percent of the territory
    once held by ISIS in Syria and Iraq. We are encouraged by this
    tremendous success, and it is important that our military remains the
    strongest in the world. This is one of my Administration's highest
    priorities, and I have called on the Congress to increase funding for
    our national defense by $34 billion over last year's level. These
    additional resources are vital to enhancing our capabilities at sea, on
    the ground, in the air, and in space and guaranteeing that America's
    military never falls behind.
    I also continue to advocate for our service members to receive increased
    support, which they deserve for bearing the burden of defending our
    freedoms. Last year, I signed into law the largest pay raise for our
    troops in 9 years, and, for 2020, I have called on the Congress to
    provide a 3.1 percent pay raise. This 3.1 percent raise would be the
    largest pay raise for our troops in 10 years and would further
    demonstrate our Nation's gratitude to the more than 2.1 million active
    duty and reserve military men and women.
    Our courageous and vigilant Armed Forces safeguard the blessings of
    liberty for us and for future generations by selflessly answering the
    call of duty. Today, and every day, we acknowledge and celebrate all who
    proudly wear our Nation's uniforms and the family members who face
    unique challenges as they tirelessly support them.
    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.

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    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 9753 of May 18, 2018, is hereby superseded.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of
    May, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    third.
    DONALD J. TRUMP