Armed Forces Day, 2017

Proclamation 9615 of May 19, 2017

Armed Forces Day, 2017

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For almost 70 years, our Nation has set aside one day
to recognize the great debt we owe to the men and women
who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps,
and Coast Guard. On Armed Forces Day, we salute the
bravery of those who defend our Nation's peace and
security. Their service defends for Americans the
freedom that all people deserve.

This year, we also reflect on the 100th anniversary of
our Nation's entry into World War I. More than 4.7
million Americans would ultimately serve in the United
States Armed Forces during that terrible conflict.
Their sacrifice has not been forgotten. One hundred
years later, we face different threats and challenges.
But our safety and security, and the defense of our way
of life, rest in the same able hands of our Armed
Forces.

Because our Armed Forces must constantly adapt to new
threats, our Nation is committed to ensuring they have
the tools and resources they need as they train,
deploy, and fight in defense of our country and
defending our values. This is why my budget calls for a
$54 billion increase in national defense spending.

Today, we salute our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen,
Marines, and Coast Guardsmen for their dedication as
they carry out the extraordinary duty of protecting our
country. We also pay tribute to the families who serve
alongside them, lending their steadfast love and
support.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the
United States of America, and Commander in Chief of the
Armed Forces of the United States, continuing the
tradition of my predecessors in office, do hereby
proclaim the third Saturday of each May as Armed Forces
Day.

I invite the Governors of the States and Territories
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, 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 and businesses 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.

Proclamation 9452 of May 20, 2016, is hereby
superseded.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
nineteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.