[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

123 STAT. 3649
 
PROCLAMATION 8380--MAY 14, 2009

Proclamation 8380 of May 14, 2009
Armed Forces Day, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

On Armed Forces Day, 1961, President Kennedy connected civic engagement
and our Nation's security. He stated, ``the strength of our armed forces
rests not alone upon their active and reserve members, our industrial
productivity, and our human resources, but also upon the understanding
and support of an informed American people.'' Based on this perspective,
I call upon all Americans to learn more about, and express gratitude
for, the heroic efforts of our men and women in uniform.
Today, the United States military serves across the world to keep us
safe. They are working here at home to protect America from threats
foreign and domestic; they are risking their lives in the deserts of
Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan; and they are also serving bravely
in many other parts of the world to ensure our security and provide
humanitarian assistance. Members of the Armed Forces are forging a
better future for our Nation and the world.
As they carry out their missions, military families endure the sacrifice
of their absence. Worrying about their safety, moving to new duty
stations, and managing a home without a loved one, these families
shoulder great burdens as they help sustain our men and women in
uniform. I thank military families for their vital contributions.
The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coastguardsmen who have
answered the call to service deserve recognition and gratitude. They
have endured the most difficult of conditions to protect America and her
highest ideals. Today, I ask all Americans to know their sacrifice and
join me in humble thanks.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United
States, continuing the precedent of my predecessors in office, do hereby
proclaim the third Saturday of each May as Armed Forces Day.
I direct the Secretary of Defense on behalf of the Army, Navy, Air
Force, Marine Corps, and the Secretary of Homeland Security on behalf of
the Coast Guard, to plan for appropriate observances each year, with the
Secretary of Defense responsible for soliciting the participation and
cooperation of civil authorities and private citizens.
I invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
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 national and local 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 on Armed Forces Day and urge citizens to learn

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more about military service by attending and participating in the local
observances of the day. I also encourage Americans to volunteer at
organizations that provide support to our troops.
Proclamation 7562 of May 16, 2002, is hereby superseded.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA