The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2013

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:

Vince Girdhari Chhabria, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California, vice Susan Y. Illston, retired.

Matthew Frederick Leitman, of Michigan, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan, vice Marianne O. Battani, retired.

Judith Ellen Levy, of Michigan, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan, vice Nancy G. Edmunds, retired.

Laurie J. Michelson, of Michigan, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan, vice George Caram Steeh III, retired.

James Maxwell Moody Jr., of Arkansas, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas, vice Susan Webber Wright, retiring.

Linda Vivienne Parker, of Michigan, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan, vice Robert H. Cleland, retired.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2013

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:       

Leslie E. Bains, of New York, to be a Director of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation for a term expiring December 31, 2015, vice William S. Jasien, term expired.      

Tony Hammond, of Missouri, to be a Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission for a term expiring October 14, 2018.  (Reappointment)        

Caroline Kennedy, of New York, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Japan.

 Marcel J. Lettre II, of Maryland, to be a Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense.  (New Position)       

Donald Lu, of California, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Albania.

Robert A. Sherman, of Massachusetts, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Portuguese Republic.      

Robert Michael Simon, of Maryland, to be an Associate Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, vice Sherburne B. Abbott.

President Obama Talks Infrastructure at the Jacksonville Port

Megan Slack
Megan Slack
July 25, 2013
06:48 PM EDT
President Barack Obama tours the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT), in Jacksonville

President Barack Obama tours the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT), in Jacksonville, Fla., July 25, 2013. President Obama is accompanied by, from left: Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx; Dennis Kelly, TraPac Regional VP & General Manager; Roy Schleicher, CEO, Jacksonville Port Authority; and Fred Wakefield, International Longshoreman's Association representative. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

In Jacksonville today, President Obama continued making the case for his vision for an economy that grows from the middle out, not the top down.

“Yesterday, in Illinois, I talked about what we need to do as a country to build a better bargain for the middle class and everybody who’s trying to get into the middle class -- a strategy that we’ve got to pursue, together, to make sure that everybody who works hard has a chance to get ahead in this 21st century economy,” he said.

"But I’m here today to specifically talk about the cornerstone, the essence of middle-class security, and that’s a good job in a growth industry” 

We’ve got to help more manufacturers bring more jobs back to America.  We’ve got to keep creating good jobs in manufacturing.  We’ve got to create good jobs in wind and solar energy.  We’ve got to tap into this natural gas revolution that’s bringing energy costs down in this country, which means manufacturers now want to locate here because they’re thinking that we’ve got durable, reliable supplies of energy. We’ve got to create more jobs today doing what you’re doing right here at JAXPORT -- and that’s building this country’s future. 

We need modern schools for our kids.  We need modern power grids and fuel networks that can withstand stronger storms. And we need modern ports so we can move more goods made in America out to the rest of the world.

Related Topics: Jobs, Trade and Exports, Economy, Florida, Illinois

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2013

Expected Attendees at the White House Iftar Dinner

This evening, the President will continue a White House tradition of hosting an Iftar celebrating Ramadan in the State Dining Room.  This is the fifth Iftar hosted by the President.  The Iftar is the meal that breaks the day of fasting, when Muslim families and communities eat together after sunset.

Below is a list of some of the expected attendees at tonight’s White House dinner celebrating Ramadan:

Members of Congress:

  • The Honorable Debbie Stabenow, United States Senator, Michigan
  • The Honorable André Carson, United States Representative,  Indiana
  • The Honorable John Dingell, United States Representative, Michigan
  • The Honorable Keith Ellison, United States Representative, Minnesota
  • The Honorable Eliot Engel, United States Representative, New York
  • The Honorable Dan Kildee, United States Representative, Michigan 

Local Elected Officials:

  • Mayor Arjumand Hashmi, City of Paris, TX
  • Rep. Rashida Tlaib, 6th District, Michigan House of Representatives 

Diplomatic Corps:

Suleiman Salem Hammad Abulhul, Charge d'Affaires of Libya

His Excellency Lukman Al Faily, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq

Her Excellency Hunaina Al Mughairy, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman

His Excellency Mohamed Abdullah M. Al Rumaihi, Ambassador of the State of Qatar

His Excellency Mohammed Al-Hussaini Al Sharif, Ambassador of the League of Arab States, Arab League Mission

His Excellency Adel Ahmed Al-Jubeir, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

His Excellency Yousef Mana Saeed Alotaiba, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Embassy of the United Arab Emirates

Adel Ali Ahmed Alsunaini, Charge d'Affaires of the Republic of Yemen

His Excellency Abdallah Baali, Ambassador of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria

His Excellency Othman Bin Hashim, Ambassador of Malaysia

His Excellency Seydou Bouda, Ambassador of Burkina Faso

His Excellency Rachad Bouhlal, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco

Her Excellency Alia Mohamad Bouran, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

His Excellency Antoine Chedid, Ambassador of the Lebanese Republic

His Excellency Blaise Cherif, Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea

Kais Darragi, Charge D'affaires of the Tunisian Republic

His Excellency Maitine Djoumbe, Ambassador of the Republic of Chad  

His Excellency Muktar Djumaliev, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic

His Excellency Mohamed El Haycen, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania  

His Excellency Bienvenu Joseph Charles Foe-Atangana, Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon

His Excellency Gilbert Galanxhi, Ambassador of the Republic of Albania  

His Excellency Bakhtiyar Gulyamov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan 

His Excellency Eklil Hakimi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Baboucarr Jallow,  Charge d'Affaires of the Gambia

His Excellency Bayney Karran, Ambassador of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana

His Excellency Al Maamoun Keita, Ambassador of the Republic of Mali

Asad Majeed Khan, Charge d'Affaires of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

His Excellency Michael Moussa-Adamo, Ambassador of the Gabonese Republic

His Excellency Stanislas Moussa-Kembe, Ambassador, Central African Republic

Her Excellency Liberata Rutageruka Mulamula, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania

His Excellency Cheik Niang, Ambassador of the Republic of Senegal

Her Excellency Huda Ezra Ebrahim Nonoo, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain

His Excellency Segbe Oguin, Ambassador of the Republic of Benin

His Excellency Roble Olhaye, Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti

His Excellency Akramul Qader, Ambassador of the People's Republic of Bangladesh

His Excellency Ebrahim Rasool, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa

His Excellency Maman Sidikou, Ambassador of the Republic of Niger

His Excellency Elin Suleymanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan

His Excellency Namik Tan, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey

His Excellency Mohamed Mostafa Mohamed Tawfik, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt

His Excellency Kairat Umarov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Her Excellency Oliver Wonekha, Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda

His Excellency Dato Paduka Yusoff Abd Hamid, Ambassador of the State of Brunei Darussalam

His Excellency Adebowale Adefuye, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

His Excellency Daouda Diabate, Ambassador of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire

His Excellency Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2013

Proclamation -- Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 2013

ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2013

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

More than two centuries ago, our forebears began an unending journey to form a more perfect Union. Twenty-three years ago, we took a historic step down that path with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) -- a landmark law that seeks to extend the promise of equal opportunity enshrined in our founding documents.

It promises equal access, from the classroom to the workplace to the transportation required to get there. It promises fairness, and the chance to live a full and independent life. It affords Americans with disabilities the protections they need to claim a future worthy of their talents.

Today, we celebrate the ADA's lasting legacy as a pillar of civil rights. We also recognize that while the law continues to move America forward, our march to equality is not yet complete. Even now, barriers still keep too many people with disabilities from fully participating in our society and our workforce. Our country suffers when our citizens are denied the chance to strengthen our economy, support their families, and fully participate in our American life.

That is why my Administration is dedicated to leveling the playing field for Americans with disabilities. We are committed to making the Federal Government a model employer by recruiting, hiring, and retaining more workers with disabilities than at any time in our Nation's history. In addition, we are working to connect people with disabilities to jobs in every part of our economy.

To get those jobs, students with disabilities need an education system that works for them. We must ensure lessons are inclusive, assessments are fair, and technology is accessible. We must rededicate ourselves to building supportive classrooms and putting an end to bullying that all too often targets young people with disabilities.

My Administration is bringing the same commitment to our health care system. The Affordable Care Act already made it illegal for insurers to deny coverage to children with disabilities because of pre-existing conditions, medical history, or genetic information. On January 1, 2014, the same will be true for all Americans. Alongside those protections, we have strengthened Medicare and Medicaid and ramped up programs to encourage community living and supportive services.

Together, we have come a long way toward ensuring equal opportunity for all. On this anniversary, let us recommit to going the rest of the distance. Let us enforce the ADA, promote disability rights at home and abroad, and make America a place that values the contributions of all our citizens -- regardless of disability.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2013, the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I encourage Americans across our Nation to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of this civil rights law and the many contributions of individuals with disabilities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2013

Proclamation -- World Hepatitis Day, 2013

WORLD HEPATITIS DAY, 2013

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Each year, we mark World Hepatitis Day to bring attention to a disease that afflicts one in twelve people worldwide. Viral hepatitis is a major cause of liver cancer and cirrhosis in the United States, leading to approximately 18,000 American deaths every year. Outcomes can significantly improve with treatment, but because viral hepatitis can be present without symptoms for decades, most infected Americans do not know they have it. Today, we raise awareness about preventing and treating viral hepatitis, and we renew our commitment to combat this disease in all its forms.

Public awareness is key to halting the spread of viral hepatitis. All types of this disease pose serious health threats, and both hepatitis B and C can become chronic infections that lead to liver cancer and liver disease. Vaccines for hepatitis A and B are crucial to preventing new cases, and they are recommended for all children, as well as adults at an elevated risk of infection. There is no vaccine against hepatitis C, but through early detection and treatment, it is possible to reduce the risk of transmission, avert the worst complications, and in many cases even cure the infection.

Anyone can contract hepatitis, but in the United States it disproportionately affects the African American, Hispanic, and Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, and people born between 1945 and 1965. Injection drug users of all ages are also at increased risk. My Administration is working to raise awareness among communities hardest hit by viral hepatitis, organizing campaigns to prevent new infections, and promoting testing and treatment.

My Administration also continues to work with our partners across the Federal Government, in States, communities, and the public and nonprofit sectors to implement programs like the Healthy People 2020 initiative and the Action Plan for the Prevention, Care, and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis. This ambitious plan aims to reduce the number of new hepatitis C cases by 25 percent, eliminate mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B, and significantly increase the proportion of people who know of their hepatitis B and C infections. In addition, the Affordable Care Act requires health insurance plans to cover, without co-pays, hepatitis A and B vaccines as recommended for children and adults at elevated risk for infection, as well as hepatitis B screenings for pregnant women at their first prenatal visit. After June 2014, new health plans must cover screening, without co-pays, for hepatitis C virus infection in persons at high risk for infection. Plans must also cover one-time screening for hepatitis C infection for adults born between 1945 and 1965.

Viral hepatitis is a silent epidemic, and we can only defeat it if we break that silence. Now is the time to learn the risk factors for hepatitis, talk to family, friends, and neighbors who may be at risk, and to speak with healthcare providers about strategies for staying healthy. On World Hepatitis Day, let each of us lend our support to those living with hepatitis and do our part to bring this epidemic to an end.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 28, 2013, as World Hepatitis Day. I encourage citizens, Government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and communities across the Nation to join in activities that will increase awareness about hepatitis and what we can do to prevent it.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2013

President Obama Nominates Six to Serve on the United States District Court

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama nominated Vince Chhabria, Matthew Leitman, Judith Levy, Judge Laurie Michelson, Judge James Moody Jr. and Judge Linda Parker for District Court judgeships.

“These men and women have had distinguished legal careers and I am honored to ask them to continue their work as judges on the federal bench,” said President Obama.  “They will serve the American people with integrity and an unwavering commitment to justice.”

Vince Girdhari Chhabria: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of California

Vince Girdhari Chhabria currently serves as a Deputy City Attorney for Government Litigation and as the Co-Chief of Appellate Litigation at the San Francisco City Attorney's Office, where he has worked since 2005.  Previously, Chhabria worked as an associate at the law firm Covington & Burling LLP from 2002 to 2004. From 2001 to 2002, he clerked for Justice Stephen G. Breyer on the United States Supreme Court. In 2001, Chhabria worked at the law firm of Keker & Van Nest, LLP, after completing a one-year clerkship for Judge James R. Browning of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He began his legal career by clerking for Judge Charles R. Breyer of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California from 1998 to 1999. Chhabria received his J.D. in 1998 from Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley and his B.A. in 1991 from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Matthew Frederick Leitman:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

Matthew Frederick Leitman is a principal at the law firm Miller Canfield P.L.C. in Troy, Michigan, where he handles complex commercial litigation, criminal defense, and appellate matters before both state and federal courts.  Prior to joining the firm in 2004, Leitman spent a decade working at the law firm of Miro Weiner & Kramer P.C. in Bloomfield Hills.  Leitman began his career by clerking for Justice Charles L. Levin on the Michigan Supreme Court from 1993 to 1994.  Leitman received his J.D. magna cum laude in 1993 from Harvard Law School and his B.A. with highest distinction in 1990 from the University of Michigan.

Judith Ellen Levy:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

Judith Ellen Levy has been an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Michigan since 2000 and has served as the Chief of the Civil Rights Unit for that office for the past three years.  Previously, she was a trial attorney for the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from 1999 to 2000.  From 1996 to 1999, Levy served as a law clerk to the Honorable Bernard A. Friedman on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.  She received her J.D. cum laude in 1996 from the University of Michigan Law School and her B.S. in 1981 from the University of Michigan.  Between college and law school, Levy worked at the University of Michigan Hospital and served as the bargaining chairperson for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees for six years.

Judge Laurie J. Michelson: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

Judge Laurie J. Michelson is a United States Magistrate Judge in the Eastern District of Michigan, a position she has held since 2011.  Prior to being appointed to the bench, Judge Michelson spent nearly 18 years at the law firm of Butzel Long, where she began working as an associate in 1993 and later became a shareholder in 2000.  While in private practice, she specialized in media law, intellectual property, and white collar criminal defense.  From 1992 to 1993, Judge Michelson served as a law clerk to Judge Cornelia G. Kennedy on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.  She received her J.D. in 1992 from Northwestern University School of Law and her A.B. in 1989 from the University of Michigan.

Judge James Maxwell Moody Jr.:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas

Judge James “Jay” Maxwell Moody Jr. currently serves as a Circuit Judge for the Third Division of the Sixth Judicial District of Arkansas, a position he has held since 2003.  Before taking the bench, he worked at the law firm of Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP, joining the firm as an associate in 1989 and becoming a partner in 1994.  While at Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP, Judge Moody practiced civil litigation in state and federal courts.  He received his J.D. in 1989 from the University of Arkansas Bowen School of Law and his B.S.B.A. in 1986 from the University of Arkansas. 

Judge Linda Vivienne Parker:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

Judge Linda Vivienne Parker has served as a judge on the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan since 2009.  Prior to her service on the bench, she was the Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights from 2003 to 2008.  From 1994 to 2000, Judge Parker served as the Executive Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Michigan.  She worked at the Detroit law firm of Dickinson Wright from 1989 to 1994, becoming a partner at the firm in 1992.  Judge Parker began her legal career in Washington, D.C., working as a staff attorney at the United States Environmental Protection Agency from 1985 to 1989 and as a law clerk in the District of Columbia Superior Court from 1983 to 1985.  She received her J.D. in 1983 from the George Washington University Law School and her B.A. in 1980 from the University of Michigan.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2013

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts:

  • Donald Lu - Ambassador to the Republic of Albania, Department of State
  • Robert A. Sherman - Ambassador to the Portuguese Republic, Department of State
  • Leslie E. Bains – Member, Board of Directors of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation

President Obama said, “These individuals have demonstrated knowledge and dedication throughout their careers. I am grateful they have chosen to take on these important roles, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts:

Donald Lu, Nominee for Ambassador to the Republic of Albania, Department of State
Donald Lu, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, is Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India.  Previously, he served at the U.S. Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan as the Charge d’Affaires from 2009 to 2010 and the Deputy Chief of Mission from 2007 to 2009.  From 2003 to 2006, he was the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.  Mr. Lu served as the Deputy Director for the Office of Central Asian and South Caucasus Affairs from 2001 to 2003 and Special Assistant to the Ambassador for the Newly Independent States from 2000 to 2001.  Other overseas assignments include: Special Assistant to the Ambassador and then Political Officer at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India, Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia, and Political Officer at the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan.  Mr. Lu was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Sierra Leone from 1988 to 1990.  He received a B.A. and M.A from Princeton University.

Robert A. Sherman, Nominee for Ambassador to the Portuguese Republic, Department of State
Robert A.  Sherman is a founding member of the Boston office of Greenberg Traurig, LLP where he has practiced since 1999.  From 1999 to 2008, he served as co-managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurig, LLP.  Mr. Sherman is a Member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council since his appointment in January 2013.  From 1994 to 1999, he served as Special Counsel and then Partner at Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC.  Mr. Sherman was an Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General where he served as Special Counsel to the Attorney General and Chief of the Consumer Protection Division from 1991 to 1993.  He received a B.A. from the University of Rochester and a J.D. from Boston University School of Law.

Leslie E. Bains, Nominee for Member, Board of Directors of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation
Leslie E. Bains is a Managing Director at Citi Private Bank, Head of New Client Development and Marketing, North America, a position she has held since 2009.  From 2005 to 2009, Ms. Bains was Vice Chairman and a Director of Modern Bank.  Previously, from 2004 to 2005, she was the President of AFS International, a non-profit student international exchange organization.  She served as a Senior Executive Vice President with HSBC Bank North America from 1993 to 2003.  From 1991 to 1993, she was a Managing Director of Citibank.  Prior to this, Ms. Bains was a Senior Vice President and Group Executive with Chase Manhattan Bank from 1980 to 1991.  She began her career in 1965 with Citibank and Manufacturers Hanover serving in various positions in portfolio management, equity research, sales, and marketing.  Ms. Bains received a B.A. from American University.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2013

President Obama Announces Another Key Administration Post

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post:

  • Tony Hammond – Commissioner, Postal Regulatory Commission

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post:

Tony Hammond, Nominee for Commissioner, Postal Regulatory Commission
Tony Hammond has been a Commissioner on the Postal Regulatory Commission since his appointment in 2012.  He previously served on the Postal Regulatory Commission and its predecessor agency, the Postal Rate Commission, from 2002 to 2011.  During his tenure, he was twice elected as Vice Chairman of the Commissions.  Previously, Mr. Hammond was owner and managing member of T. Hammond Company, LLC, a private consulting firm.  In addition, he was Senior Vice President of the direct marketing firm FL&S, and Senior Consultant to Forbes 2000, Inc.  From 1994 to 1999, he worked at the Republican National Committee, where he was Political Director during his last two years at the Committee.  From 1989 to 1994, he was Executive Director of the Missouri Republican Party.  Mr. Hammond served for ten years on the staff of then-Southwest Missouri Congressman Gene Taylor, the ranking member of the House Post Office and Civil Service Committee.  Mr. Hammond received a B.S. from Missouri State University.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2013

Presidential Proclamation -- National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2013

NATIONAL KOREAN WAR VETERANS ARMISTICE DAY, 2013

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Today, America pauses to observe the 60th anniversary of the end of the Korean War -- a conflict that defined a generation and decided the fate of a nation. We remember the troops who hit the beaches when Communist forces were pressing south; who pushed back, and fought their way north through hard mountains and bitter cold. We remember ordinary men and women who showed extraordinary courage through 3 long years of war, fighting far from home to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met.

Most of all, we remember those brave Americans who gave until they had nothing left to give. No monument will ever be worthy of their service, and no memorial will fully heal the ache of their sacrifice. But as a grateful Nation, we must honor them -- not just with words, but with deeds. We must uphold our sacred obligation to all who serve -- giving our troops the resources they need, keeping faith with our veterans and their families, and never giving up the search for our missing and our prisoners of war. Our fallen laid down their lives so we could live ours. It is our task to live up to the example they set, and make America a country worthy of their sacrifice.

This anniversary marks the end of a war. But it also commemorates the beginning of a long and prosperous peace. In six decades, the Republic of Korea has become one of the world's largest economies and one of America's closest allies. Together, we have built a partnership that remains a bedrock of stability throughout the Pacific. That legacy belongs to the service members who fought for freedom 60 years ago, and the men and women who preserve it today.

So as we mark this milestone, let us offer a special salute to our Korean War veterans. Let us renew the sacred trust we share with all who have served. And let us reaffirm that no matter what the future holds, America will always honor its promise to serve our veterans as well as they served us -- now and forever.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 27, 2013, as National Korean War Veterans

Armistice Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor our distinguished Korean War veterans.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

twenty-fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA