Veterans Day, 2015

Proclamation 9364 of November 5, 2015

Veterans Day, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The United States military is the strongest, most
capable fighting force the world has ever known. The
brave men and women of our Army, Navy, Air Force,
Marine Corps, and Coast Guard demonstrate a resolute
spirit and unmatched selflessness, and their service
reminds us there are few things more American than
giving of ourselves to make a difference in the lives
of others. On Veterans Day, we reflect on the
immeasurable burdens borne by so few in the name of so
many, and we rededicate ourselves to supporting those
who have worn America's uniform and the families who
stand alongside them.

Our true strength as a Nation is measured by how we
take care of our veterans when they return home, and my
Administration is committed to ensuring our heroes and
their loved ones have every chance to share in the
promise they risked their lives to defend. We have made
it easier for veterans to convert their military skills
to the civilian workforce, enabled more veterans and
their family members to attain Federal education
benefits, and expanded access to timely, quality health
care for all veterans. Just as every veteran deserves
the support and benefits they have earned, those who
have given everything to defend our homeland deserve a
place of their own to call home. To uphold this ideal,
First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining
Forces initiative has forged partnerships with local
leaders across America to uphold the dignity of every
veteran and work to end veterans' homelessness. No one
who fights for our country should have to fight for the
care they deserve. Earlier this year, I was proud to
sign the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American
Veterans Act, which fills critical gaps in mental
health care by raising awareness and taking steps to
improve access to care for those suffering from the
invisible wounds of war.

Our veterans left everything they knew and loved and
served with exemplary dedication and courage so we
could all know a safer America and a more just world.
They have been tested in ways the rest of us may never
fully understand, and it is our duty to fulfill our
sacred obligation to our veterans and their families.
On Veterans Day, and every day, let us show them the
extraordinary gratitude they so rightly deserve, and
let us recommit to pledging our full support for them
in all they do.

With respect for, and in recognition of, the
contributions our service members have made to the
cause of peace and freedom around the world, the
Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November
11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public
holiday to honor our Nation's veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim November
11, 2015, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to
recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans
through appropriate public ceremonies and private
prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local
officials to display the flag of the United States and
to participate in patriotic activities in their
communities. I call on all Americans, including civic
and fraternal organizations, places of worship,

schools, and communities to support this day with
commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and fortieth.