WASHINGTON D.C. — President Barack Obama asked the nation to “rededicate itself to upholding the sacred trust we share with our Gold Star families and the heroes we have laid to rest,” in his proclamation issued declaring Sept. 30, as Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day.
The proclamation reads:
From the revolution that gave life to our Republic, to the trials of our times, our men and women in uniform have put themselves in harm’s way to defend the people they love and the land they cherish. Their actions attest not only to the depth of their sacrifice, but also to a belief in their country so profound, they were willing to give their lives for it. We pay solemn tribute to all who did. Sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, they were all patriots and with a devotion to duty that goes without equal, these proud Americans gave of themselves until they had nothing more to give.
As a grateful Nation honors our fallen service members, so do we honor the families who keep their memory burning bright. They are parents who face the loss of a child, spouses who carry an emptiness that cannot be filled, children who know sorrow that defies comprehension. The grief they hold in their hearts is a grief most cannot fully know. However, as fellow Americans, we must lend our strength to those families who have given so much for our country. Their burdens are ones that no one should have to bear alone and it is up to all of us to live our lives in a way worthy of their sacrifice.
On this day of remembrance, let us rededicate ourselves to upholding the sacred trust we share with our Gold Star families and the heroes we have laid to rest. Let us always remember that the blessings we enjoy as free people in a free society came at a dear cost. Let us hold the memories of our fallen close to our hearts and let us mark each day by heeding the example they set. Finally, let us forever keep faith with our men and women in uniform, our veterans and our military families by serving them as well as they have served us. Our Union endures because of their courage and selflessness and today, we resolve anew to show them the care and support they so deeply deserve.
