Proclamation 9529-Military Family Month, 2016
Issued 2016-10-27 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 to designate November 2016 as Military Family Month. This is a ceremonial observance that recognizes and honors the families of service members in all branches of the Armed Forces. The proclamation does not create new laws or programs, but rather serves as an official statement expressing the nation's gratitude to military families.
The proclamation acknowledges that military families make significant sacrifices, including enduring long deployments, frequent relocations, and career interruptions when spouses must leave jobs they love and move across the country or around the world. It highlights existing support efforts, including the Joining Forces initiative led by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, which has worked with businesses to hire over 1.2 million veterans and military spouses over five years. The proclamation also notes that every state has taken action to streamline professional licensing so military spouses can continue working when they move across state lines, and that efforts have expanded access to education and career preparation programs for military children.
This proclamation matters because it brings national attention to the contributions and challenges of military families, encouraging all Americans to honor them through private actions and public service. It represents the President's public recognition on behalf of the nation of the role these families play in supporting service members and the country.
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 9529-Military Family Month, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to military family. 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 9529—Military Family Month, 2016 October 27, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For generations, brave Americans have stepped forward and answered our country's call to serve in our Armed Forces. With honor and distinction, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen fight to defend the principles upon which our Republic was founded so that we might live in a freer and more prosperous world. Behind these courageous Americans stand spouses, children, and parents who give up precious time with their loved ones, bearing the burden of long deployments and difficult moves, and oftentimes putting their careers on hold. During Military Family Month, we salute the families of those who proudly are a part of our Nation's unbroken chain of patriots for their unwavering devotion, and we renew our sacred vow to uphold our promise to our troops, our veterans, and their families. Our military would not be the greatest in the world without the strength and support of the loved ones who stand alongside our men and women in uniform. While our service members are fighting to secure the values we cherish and defend our homeland, their spouses keep their households running, so