Armed Forces Day, 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 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.