Proclamation 9460-Flag Day and National Flag Week, 2016
Issued 2016-06-10 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation in June 2016 to officially designate June 14, 2016, as Flag Day and the week beginning June 12, 2016, as National Flag Week. The proclamation directs federal officials to display the American flag on all government buildings during that week and encourages all Americans to display the flag as well. It also calls on people to observe the period from Flag Day through Independence Day as a time to honor America and publicly recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
This action affects all Americans by establishing an official observance period, though participation is voluntary. Federal government buildings are directed to display the flag during the designated week. The proclamation follows requirements set by Congress in 1949 and 1966, which asked the President to issue annual proclamations recognizing Flag Day and National Flag Week.
This is a ceremonial proclamation that brings national attention to the American flag and its significance in American history and democracy. It does not create new law, require federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens. These types of presidential proclamations have been issued since George Washington and are part of the executive tradition, expressing the President's sentiment on behalf of the nation and drawing public awareness to particular observances.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9460-Flag Day and National Flag Week, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to flag. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Proclamation 9460—Flag Day and National Flag Week, 2016 June 10, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Two hundred and forty years ago, a small band of patriots declared independence, proclaiming in one voice that we are free to determine our own destiny and carry out the work of self-governance. Driven by their unyielding spirit and drawing inspiration from the Stars and Stripes, a string of 13 Colonies later expanded to become a united 50 States. Throughout our history, the American flag has steadfastly served as an emblem of this great experiment in democracy. On Flag Day and during National Flag Week, we pledge our allegiance to the banner that has served as a guiding symbol on our Nation's journey, and we celebrate the hope it inspires in the American people. With hands over hearts, Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs have long saluted Old Glory and honored its legacy. Our flag persists as a powerful representation of freedom and opportunity. Waving high above capitol buildings and courthouses, military bases and embassies across the globe, and on the distant surface of the moon, it calls on each of us to remember our obligations to the Republic for which it stands and to carry