Expressing the nation's gratitude to the
men and women who "sacrificed for our liberty and for
the security of our nation," President Bush on November
2 proclaimed Veterans Day in 2005, to be observed, per statute,
on November 11.
The president noted that 2005 marks the
60th anniversary of the end of World War II, an occasion
for remembering the millions of veterans who contributed
to the defeat of "two of the most ruthless military
forces the world has ever known."
Bush also expressed Americans' deep appreciation
to all veterans—"the men and women who stepped
forward when America needed them."
See related article
for more information about Veterans Day.
Text of the proclamation follows:
(begin text)
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
November 2, 2005
Veterans Day, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United
States of America
Americans owe a great debt of gratitude
to those who have sacrificed for our liberty and for the
security of our Nation. We express deep appreciation to
our veterans -- the men and women who stepped forward when
America needed them, triumphed over brutal enemies, liberated
continents, and answered the prayers of millions around
the globe.
From the beaches of Normandy and the snows
of Korea to the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts
of Iraq, our courageous veterans have sacrificed so that
Americans and others could live in freedom. As we mark the
60th anniversary of the end of World War II this year, we
remember the millions of veterans who crossed oceans and
defeated two of the most ruthless military forces the world
has ever known. The freedom that the children and grandchildren
of these veterans now enjoy is a monument to their fallen
comrades and the generations of patriots who have served
our country.
Through their commitment to freedom, America's
veterans have lifted millions of lives and made our country
and the world more secure. They have demonstrated to us
that freedom is the mightiest force on Earth. We resolve
that their sacrifices will always be remembered by a grateful
Nation.
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, 2005, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe
November 6 through November 12, 2005, as National Veterans
Awareness Week. I urge 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 encourage 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 second day of November, in the year of our
Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
(end text)
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