Proclamation 9474-National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, 2016
Issued 2016-08-19 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 August 21-27, 2016, as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week. The proclamation recognizes the more than one million members of the National Guard and Reserve who balance civilian jobs with their military responsibilities, and it specifically honors the employers, families, and communities who support these service members. These citizen-soldiers train throughout the year so they can respond when called to serve during natural disasters, humanitarian crises, or conflicts.
The proclamation highlights that Guard and Reserve members deserve the full backing of their civilian employers and the promise of stable employment when they return from service. It references the First Lady's Joining Forces initiative and other administration efforts to help military spouses and veterans find jobs and ensure that Guard and Reserve members can access employment opportunities that support their families.
This is a ceremonial proclamation that calls on Americans to express thanks to Guard and Reserve members and their employers, and asks state and local officials, private organizations, and military commanders to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. The proclamation does not create new laws or impose legal obligations—it is a formal expression of national recognition for this specific week.
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 9474-National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to employer support of the guard and reserve. 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 9474—National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, 2016 August 19, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For more than two centuries, brave patriots have given of themselves to secure our fundamental rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—and in times of both war and peace, members of the National Guard and Reserve have stood ready to don our uniform, answer our Nation's call, and protect our way of life. This week, we recognize the important role played by the families, employers, and communities of these men and women in ensuring they can step forward and serve our country when they are needed most. There are more than one million members of our National Guard and Reserve. Throughout the year, they dutifully train and prepare so that when they are called at a moment's notice to serve their Nation, they are able to serve with the honor and dedication that have long been hallmarks of our Armed Forces. Balancing their lives as civilians with their responsibilities in uniform, they defend and protect our people at home and abroad. In the face of natural disasters and humanitarian crises, they are quick to respond and offer assistance; during peri