    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 134, 116th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 10034 of May 15, 2020
    Armed Forces Day, 2020
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation
    In times of war and peace alike, on land, at sea, in the skies, in
    cyberspace, and beyond the Earth's atmosphere, the men and women of our
    Nation's Armed Forces serve with honor and distinction and stand ready
    to selflessly defend our Nation. On Armed Forces Day, we pay tribute to
    these patriots, whose work enables our country to shine always as a
    beacon of freedom and hope for the world.
    Throughout our Nation's history, our Armed Forces have protected our
    country, our liberty, and our founding principles. Earlier this month,

    [[Page 5267]]

    we marked the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, when United
    States and Allied forces liberated Europe and North Africa from tyranny
    and oppression. The courageous actions of these heroes will stand always
    as monuments to the very best of our Nation. Today, many of our service
    members have been called into action on the home front to aid in our
    fight against a new type of enemy--the coronavirus. Our Guardsmen,
    engineers, logisticians, and medical service members have provided
    critical lifesaving treatment, protective equipment, facilities, and
    other vital services and provisions quickly and efficiently to those in
    need. In March, I was honored as Commander in Chief to salute those
    aboard the USNS Comfort as these heroes set sail from the shores of
    Norfolk, Virginia, to bring aid and comfort to people in need of care in
    New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. As they have shown throughout
    this crisis, working to ease the burdens on healthcare workers and first
    responders, our Armed Forces can adapt to any challenge and succeed in
    any mission.
    My Administration will always remain committed to ensuring our Nation
    has the strongest and most advanced military in the world. We owe it to
    our warriors to ensure that we provide them with the necessary training
    and equipment to meet current and future challenges. Since I took
    office, we have invested a historic $2.2 trillion in the United States
    military, purchasing the finest American-made planes, missiles, rockets,
    ships, and other pieces of military equipment.
    Additionally, last year, I was proud to sign into law legislation that
    provided a 3.1 percent pay raise for our troops--the largest pay raise
    for our military men and women in a decade--in recognition of their
    unparalleled duty, honor, courage, and commitment.
    This year, we also celebrate the historic creation of the United States
    Space Force, the first new military branch since the establishment of
    the United States Air Force more than 70 years ago. We recognize that to
    combat the evolving threats of a 21st-century world, we must look to the
    newest warfighting domain and address malign activities in space.
    America's leadership in space is unparalleled, and with the addition of
    the United States Space Force, we are now even better positioned to meet
    the evolving threats in this emerging frontier of technology,
    exploration, and discovery. Approximately 16,000 military and civilian
    personnel have already been assigned to the Space Force, embarking on
    their mission to organize, train, and equip these new fighters
    responsible for protecting the United States and allied interests in the
    vast domain of space.
    Today, and every day, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the
    millions of American patriots who fill the ranks of our Armed Forces. We
    are eternally grateful for every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, Coast
    Guardsman, and member of the Space Force, and we deeply appreciate the
    sacrifices their families and loved ones make on our behalf. As one
    Nation, we pledge to always honor this service and this devotion given
    to our great country.
    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
    observ-

    [[Page 5268]]

    ance 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 9892 of May 17, 2019, is hereby superseded.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of
    May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    fourth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP