Armed Forces Day, 2012

Proclamation 8823 of May 18, 2012

Armed Forces Day, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

With every assignment and in every theater, America's
men and women in uniform perform their duties with the
utmost dignity, honor, and professionalism. Through
their dauntless courage and dedication, they live up to
our Nation's highest ideals in even the most perilous
circumstances. On Armed Forces Day, we pay tribute to
the unparalleled service of our Armed Forces and recall
the extraordinary feats they accomplish in defense of
our Nation.

As individuals, our service members set extraordinary
examples of character for those whose freedom they
protect. Together, they comprise the greatest force for
freedom and security the world has ever known. From
their earliest training to the thick of battle, they
look to those with whom they stand shoulder-to-
shoulder, knowing they rise and fall as one team.
United in their love of country, they teach us the true
meaning of words like duty, honor, and strength.

Not just leaders and troops, patriots and heroes, the
members of our Armed Forces are also parents, spouses,
partners, sons, and daughters. Their families are just
as vital to their success as their brothers and sisters
in arms, and our debt of gratitude extends to them as
well. As we celebrate the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen,
Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who make our way of life
possible, we also pay our deepest respect to their
families, our missing, our wounded, and our fallen.
Inspired by their service and humbled by their
sacrifice, let us recommit to providing all those who
have served our Nation the support they deserve.

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, and 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
encouraging 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 veterans, civic leaders, and
organizations to join in the observance of Armed Forces
Day.

Finally, I call upon all Americans to display the flag
of the United States at their homes on Armed Forces
Day, and I 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 8681 of May 20, 2011, is hereby
superseded.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.