Proclamation

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

America is free, strong, secure, and prosperous due to the courage of the heroes in uniform who are willing to lay down their lives in the defense of our Republic. The supreme sacrifice paid by every fallen warrior is borne in perpetual sorrow and profound anguish by the loved ones left behind. On Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, we pause to honor the surviving families of our valiant patriots and renew our sacred obligation to always support them.

Gold Star Families endure the unfathomable — burying their Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman, Guardian, or Coast Guardsman who fell protecting our birthright of freedom. In an instant, their lives are forever changed; their future plans, hopes, and dreams are replaced by a folded flag, medals, awards, precious pictures, and cherished memories. In spite of incalculable loss, many bereaved often turn their grief into resolve, selflessly devoting themselves to service and outreach efforts in aid of those who have lost a family member in the Armed Forces. In communities nationwide, they support military members, families, and veterans and bring hope and healing to other shattered souls. Each act of kindness and compassion honors the memory of their beloved and is a testament to the uncommon resilience and grace of those from whom so much has been taken.

As President, I will always ensure that our Gold Star spouses and families have the support they deserve to carry forward with strength and to preserve their loved ones’ legacies. To that end, I was proud to recently establish the first-ever Military Spouse Commission, whose members — the spouses of our Nation’s highest-ranking military leaders and officials — bring more than 544 years of combined military family experience and a deep understanding of the sacrifices made on the home front. As part of this important work, they are finding solutions to the challenges facing military families, including strengthening deployment-readiness. Furthermore, the Commission members are standing with our Gold Star Mothers and Families, as well as working with the Department of War’s Gold Star Advisory Council. Under my leadership, our Nation will always support those who have stood beside our fallen warriors — patriots who kept their oath to our Republic to the very end — and together, we will keep faith with their families and forever honor their sacrifices.

Today, the First Lady joins me in prayer, sympathy, and gratitude for every American whose loved one gave the last full measure of devotion. As Commander in Chief, I pledge to do everything in my power to love and support them and to valiantly safeguard the blessed freedom their spouses, children, and parents died to defend.