Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 123.djvu/3716

 123STA T . 3 69 6 PROCL A M AT I O N84 1 5— S E PT. 14 , 2 0 09 Proclam a ti o n8415 o fSep tem b er 14 ,20 0 9Nation a lEmp lo yerSu pport o f t h e G uar d and R e s er v e W ee k,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 Cit i zensw i l lin g t o se rv ein u ni f or m w h en d ut yca lls have hel p ed pro - tect our freedom and security since our N ation ’ s founding more than 20 0 years ago .D uring times of peace , they have wor k ed in our cities and towns, contri b uting their skill and energy to local businesses, schools, and civic organizations. During times of strife at home and abroad, they have served with distinction, protecting the U nited S tates from domestic and foreign threats. I n commemorating National E m- ployer Support of the G uard and R eserve W eek, we honor the coura- geous members of our Guard and Reserve and their employers, whose support strengthens our A rmed F orces and helps protect our country. O ur Guard and Reserve personnel are training arduously and serving valiantly as they are called upon to meet new challenges. Active here at home and in overseas operations, they are a key component in our national defense. M embers of our Guard and Reserve serve with honor at home and in Afghanistan, Ira q , and other regions around the world, and they are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. T hey help respond to natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies, and protect against threats to our national security. Our Nation owes a debt of gratitude to these brave men and women who balance the de- mands of civilian and military life. Through their continued support and fle x ibility, employers across the country bolster the efforts of members of the Guard and Reserve. Em- ployers often make financial and organizational sacrifices in the inter- est of our national security. The commitment of these employers helps ensure that our troops are mission-ready and provides a measure of as- surance, comfort, and pride to those who leave their j obs and families behind as they are deployed. The United States is grateful to the many businesses and organizations that enable Guard and Reserve personnel to remain engaged in both their professional and their military careers. The United States has always benefited from the contributions of those willing to depart the comforts of home to answer the call of duty. Today, the American people celebrate the service and sacrifice of mem- bers of our Guard and Reserve as we pay special tribute to their em- ployers for their admirable dedication and support. NOW, T H EREFORE, I, B ARAC K OBAMA, P resident of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and the laws of the United States of America, do hereby pro- claim September 13 through September 1 9, 2009, as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week. I encourage all Americans to join me in expressing our heartfelt thanks to the members of the Na- tional Guard and Reserve and their civilian employers. I also call on State and local officials, private organizations, and all military com- manders, to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activi- ties.