[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 24, 2023)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 33529-33530]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-11208]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 24, 2023 /
Presidential Documents
[[Page 33529]]
Proclamation 10585 of May 19, 2023
Armed Forces Day, 2023
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On Armed Forces Day, we honor all the members of our
Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast
Guard, and National Guard and Reserve forces. United by
a common call to serve, these brave patriots not only
comprise the finest fighting force the world has ever
known but also represent the very best of our Nation.
Today, less than 1 percent of Americans currently wear
the uniform--stepping up to defend the other 99 percent
of our Nation with honor and courage. Through trials
and testing as well as dangers and deployments, our
service members remain resilient and resolved in their
mission. They--and their families, caregivers, and
survivors--also shoulder unique burdens, serving and
sacrificing for our Nation's core values: freedom,
democracy, and liberty. And this year, as we mark the
50th anniversary of our all-volunteer force and the
75th anniversaries of a desegregated military and
women's integration, we are reminded that our Armed
Forces are stronger and more capable than ever because
of the diverse range of skillsets and experiences of
our service members.
On Armed Forces Day, we also renew our sacred
obligation to all those who serve: to prepare them when
we send them into harm's way and care for them and
their families while they are deployed and when they
return home. That is exactly what my Administration is
doing. I have signed more than 25 bipartisan bills,
including the PACT Act--the most significant law in our
Nation's history to help millions of veterans who were
exposed to toxic fumes from burn pits or other toxic
substances during their military service--to ensure our
service members and veterans and their families,
caregivers, and survivors get the support they deserve.
We have also expanded access to mental health care for
our service members and veterans--a critical step in
reducing suicides, which continue to claim far too many
lives of our military members. My Administration has
also worked to fix the Public Service Loan Forgiveness
program--a key step in meeting our commitment to
service members and those who have chosen other
professions in public service. To date, we have helped
over 450,000 borrowers who work in public service,
including service members, get nearly $31 billion in
student loan forgiveness. And, through the First Lady's
Joining Forces initiative, we are helping military
spouses find good-paying jobs, ensuring military-
connected children are supported in their classrooms,
and aiding this community with resources to improve
their health and well-being.
Our Nation also has an obligation to ensure that every
service member--regardless of gender, gender identity,
sexual orientation, race, or religious background--
feels safe in the ranks and has their contributions
fully valued. Within my first month in office, I was
proud to rescind the ban on openly transgender people
serving in the military because no patriot should be
barred from serving their country for being their
authentic self. My Administration worked with the
Congress to reform how the military investigates and
prosecutes sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic
violence, and other related crimes, including by
shifting authority from commanders to
[[Page 33530]]
independent prosecutors. Working with leaders across
the Department of Defense, I will continue to ensure
that a culture of decency and respect always prevails
within our ranks--including speaking out and standing
up against harassment, abuse, and hate in all its
forms.
Throughout our history, America's Armed Forces have
been sentinels of liberty and defenders of dignity. By
keeping the flame of freedom burning bright, they have
made our Nation stronger and the world safer. So today,
let us all join together in honoring their courage,
sacrifice, and service.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., 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, Space Force, 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 respective jurisdictions
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 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 10400 of May 20, 2022, 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 twenty-three, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
seventh.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 2023-11208
Filed 5-23-23; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3395-F3-P