Presidential Documents

45159 

Federal Register 

Vol. 82, No. 186 

Wednesday, September 27, 2017 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 9644 of September 22, 2017 

Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, 2017 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

As we solemnly observe Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, we honor 

and extend our deepest gratitude to the families of military service members 

who gave their last full measure of devotion to our country. Gold Star 

families have paid the ultimate price for our Nation’s freedom with the 

life of their loved ones. Our grateful Nation grieves with them in their 

loss, but also shares their pride in the selfless service of their sons and 

daughters. 

Our country is built on the sacrifices of men and women who have willingly 

raised their hand to defend our Nation and its security. As members of 

our Armed Forces take an oath to protect our freedoms and liberty, they 

understand the gravity of their commitment to defend our way of life. 

And when that commitment results in the ultimate sacrifice, we come together as a Nation to walk beside the devoted families left behind and 

help them shoulder the vast absence they forever bear. Their loved ones 

did not die in vain. They gave of themselves to protect and defend the 

freedoms we all enjoy. Despite their grief, these families bravely move forward with dignity and grace. 

Despite having endured unfathomable loss, many Gold Star families have 

turned their sorrow into action and community outreach to help others 

navigate this difficult journey. Their compassion, courage, determination, 

and strength inspire us all. 

When the last rifle volley is fired, the final note of Taps echoes and fades 

away, and the carefully-folded National Colors are presented, it is our sacred 

duty to stand with these patriotic families to ensure they receive the care, 

compassion, and respect they have earned. On this day of remembrance, 

we pay tribute to those brave men and women in uniform who died protecting 

our great Nation, and we stand with the families who nurtured and loved 

them. Gold Star families have our sympathy, but more importantly, they 

have our respect and our gratitude. 

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, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 September 24, 2017, 

as Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s 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 

gratitude and respect for our Gold Star Mothers and Families. 


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45160 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 186 / Wednesday, September 27, 2017 / Presidential Documents 

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

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

of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 

and forty-second. 

[FR Doc. 2017–20895 

Filed 9–26–17; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3295–F7–P 


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