Proclamation 9452-Armed Forces Day, 2016
Issued 2016-05-20 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 formally designate the third Saturday of each May as Armed Forces Day. The proclamation honors the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It directs the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to plan appropriate observances each year.
The proclamation affects all Americans by inviting them to participate in recognizing Armed Forces Day. It encourages governors, local officials, veterans, and civic organizations to hold observances that increase public understanding and appreciation of the military. The proclamation also calls on Americans to display the U.S. flag at their homes on Armed Forces Day, attend local observances, and volunteer at organizations supporting troops and their families.
This matters because it establishes an annual day of national recognition for active-duty service members. The proclamation continues a tradition from previous presidents and is purely ceremonial—it does not create new laws, require federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens. It serves as an official presidential statement expressing gratitude to military personnel and encouraging public participation in honoring their service.
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 9452-Armed Forces Day, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to armed forces. 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 9452—Armed Forces Day, 2016 May 20, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who comprise our Armed Forces have defended our Nation and the values for which we stand for generations, answering the call to give up the comforts of civilian life, do whatever it takes to keep us safe, and go wherever they are needed. On Armed Forces Day, we offer our most profound gratitude to the patriots—at home and abroad—who have risked their lives so our people can live knowing the fullest measure of freedom and security. With courage and honor, our men and women in uniform embody the everlasting responsibility we have to each other and to future generations by giving of themselves to ensure the preservation of our Republic and secure peace throughout the world. It is because of them and the values they represent that people across the globe look to the United States of America in moments of desperation and despair. For the relief they offer, the stability they provide, and the hope they inspire, we owe our service members an extraordinary debt—one we will never stop working to repay. Our country's stren