[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 188 (Wednesday, September 28, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 60355-60356]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-25198]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 76 , No. 188 / Wednesday, September 28, 2011 
/ Presidential Documents

[[Page 60355]]


                Proclamation 8722 of September 23, 2011

                
Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Since our Nation's earliest days, the men and women of 
                our Armed Forces have demonstrated the courage and 
                heroism that have come to define America. Across 
                shores, in deserts, and on city streets around the 
                world, extraordinary Americans have given their last 
                full measure of devotion defending the freedoms we 
                cherish. Their ultimate sacrifice is one we can never 
                fully repay, and the enormity of the grief their 
                families carry we can never fully know.

                Gold Star mothers and families know the immeasurable 
                cost of fighting for the ideals we believe in, and they 
                know the pride that comes with exemplary service to 
                America. On this day, and every day, we offer them our 
                deep gratitude and respect, and we are inspired by 
                their strength and determination. Through heartbreaking 
                loss, our Gold Star families continue to support one 
                another, serve their communities, and bring comfort to 
                the men and women of our Armed Forces and their 
                families.

                Our fallen heroes answered their country's call to 
                duty, sacrificing all they had and all they would ever 
                know. Their families exemplify that same mark of 
                selflessness and patriotism that has sustained our 
                country and will sustain us through trials to come. We 
                honor their sacrifice, and stand with our service 
                members, military families, and Gold Star families as 
                they have stood for us. Today, we reaffirm our promise 
                to care for those left behind, to uphold the ideals for 
                which the fallen gave their lives, and to carry with us 
                their legacy as we work toward a better future.

                The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 
                23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1985 as amended), has designated the 
                last Sunday in September as ``Gold Star Mother's Day.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 25, 2011, 
                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 sympathy and respect for our Gold Star 
                Mothers and Families.

[[Page 60356]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-third day of September, in the year of our Lord 
                two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
                sixth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-25198
Filed 9-27-11; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P