Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 188 / Wednesday, September 29, 2010 / Presidential Documents 60283 

Proclamation 8569 of September 24, 2010 

Gold Star Mother’s and Families’ Day, 2010 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

In a long line of heroes stretching from the greens of Lexington and Concord 

to the mountains of Afghanistan, selfless patriots have defended our lives 

and liberties with valor and honor. They have been ordinary Americans 

who loved their country so profoundly that they were willing to give their 

lives to keep it safe and free. As we pay tribute to the valiant men and 

women in uniform lost in battle, we also recognize the deep loss and 

great strength of those who share in that ultimate sacrifice: America’s Gold 

Star Mothers and Families. 

For those in our Armed Forces who gave their last full measure of devotion, 

their loved ones know the high cost of our hard-won freedoms and security. 

An empty seat at the table and missed milestones leave a void that can 

never be filled, yet the legacy of our fallen heroes lives on in the people 

they loved. Their exceptional spirit of service dwells in the pride of Gold 

Star parents, who instilled the values that led these brave men and women 

to service. It grows in the hearts of their children, who know that, despite 

their absence, they gave their lives so others might be free. And, it echoes 

in the enduring love of their spouses—the backbone of our military families— 

who supported the person they cherished most in the world in serving 

our Nation. Though our Gold Star families have sacrificed more than most 

can ever imagine, they still find the courage and strength to comfort other 

families, support veterans, and give back to their communities. 

It is from these examples of unwavering patriotism that we witness the 

values and ideals for which our country was founded, and for which America’s sons and daughters have laid down their lives. As members of a 

grateful Nation, we owe a debt we can never repay, but hold this sacred 

obligation forever in our hearts, minds, and actions. 

The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 

1895 as amended), has designated the last Sunday in September as ‘‘Gold 

Star Mother’s Day.’’ 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States 

of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 

and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 

26, 2010, as Gold Star Mother’s and Families’ Day. I call upon all Government 

officials to display the flag of the United States over Government buildings 

on this special day. I also encourage the American people to display the 

flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our Nation’s 

sympathy, support, and respect for our Gold Star Mothers and Families. 

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60284 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 188 / Wednesday, September 29, 2010 / Presidential Documents 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth 

day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the 

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtyfifth. 

[FR Doc. 2010–24647 

Filed 9–28–10; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3195–W0–P 


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