Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 123.djvu/3669

 123STA T . 3 649PROCL A M AT I O N8 38 0— MA Y 14 , 2009 Proclam a ti o n83 8 0 o fM a y14,2 00 9ArmedFo r c e sDay,20 0 9BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation OnArmedFo r c e sDay,196 1, P res i den tK ennedy connected ci v ic en -g agement and o u r N ation ’ s security .H e stated, ‘ ‘t h e strength o f our armed forces rests not a l one u p on their active and reserve mem b ers, our industrial productivity, and our human resources, but also upon the understanding and support of an informed American people.’’ B ased on this perspective, I call upon all Americans to learn more about, and e x press gratitude for, the heroic efforts of our men and w omen in uniform. T oday, the U nited S tates military serves across the world to k eep 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 Ira q 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. M embers 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. W orrying about their safety, moving to new duty sta- tions, and managing a home without a loved one, these families shoul- der 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 C oastguardsmen 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 j oin me in humble thanks. NOW, TH ER EFORE, 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 G uard, to plan for appropriate observances each year, with the Secretary of Defense responsible for soliciting the participation and cooperation of civil authorities and private citi z ens. I invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, to pro- vide for the observance of Armed Forces Day within their jurisdiction each year in an appropriate manner designed to increase public under- standing 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