Through
the generations, America's men and women in uniform have
defeated tyrants, liberated continents, and set a standard
of courage and idealism for the entire world. On Veterans
Day, our Nation pays tribute to those who have proudly served
in our Armed Forces.
To protect the Nation they love, our veterans
stepped forward when America needed them most. In conflicts
around the world, their sacrifice and resolve helped destroy
the enemies of freedom and saved millions from oppression.
In answering history's call with honor, decency, and resolve,
our veterans have shown the power of liberty and earned
the respect and admiration of a grateful Nation.
All of America's veterans have placed our
Nation's security before their own lives, creating a debt
that we can never fully repay. Our veterans represent the
best of America, and they deserve the best America can give
them.
As we recall the service of our Soldiers,
Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, we are reminded
that the defense of freedom comes with great loss and sacrifice.
This Veterans Day, we give thanks to those who have served
freedom's cause; we salute the members of our Armed Forces
who are confronting our adversaries abroad; and we honor
the men and women who left America's shores but did not
live to be thanked as veterans. They will always be remembered
by our country.
With respect for and in recognition of the
contributions our service men and women have made to the
cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress
has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each
year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor
veterans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President
of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November
11, 2006, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe
November 5 through November 11, 2006, as National Veterans
Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the
valor and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and
prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials
to display the flag of the United States and to support
and participate in patriotic activities in their communities.
I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship,
schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this
national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of
our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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