III 112th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 591 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES November 13, 2012 Mr. Sessions (for himself and Mr. Shelby) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the Senate regarding Raymond Weeks and his efforts in the establishment of Veterans Day.

Whereas November 11, 2012, is the 65th anniversary of National Veterans Day in Birmingham, Alabama; Whereas the National Veterans Day in Birmingham is the longest running celebration of Veterans Day in the Nation; Whereas, on November 11, 1946, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks presented General Eisenhower a program design proposing to replace Armistice Day with a National Veterans Day in 1947; Whereas the very first Veterans Day celebration was held in Birmingham by the National Veterans Day Organization in 1947; Whereas President Eisenhower signed into law on June 1, 1954, the Act proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day (Public Law 380; 83rd Congress); Whereas in 1954, the National Veterans Day Volunteer Organization, started by Raymond Weeks, expanded to organize a multi-day celebration including, but not limited to, a Veterans Day Parade, a World Peace Luncheon, and presentation during the National Veterans Award Dinner of the National Veterans Award; Whereas these three events have been held every year since 1954; Whereas the briefing for President Reagan by Elizabeth Dole for the Presidential Citizens Medals cited Raymond Weeks as the “Father of Veterans Day”; Whereas President Reagan recognized Raymond Weeks as the driving force behind Veterans Day while presenting Raymond Weeks with the Presidential Citizens Medal on November 11, 1982; Whereas Raymond Weeks should be recognized for his push to honor the great men and women who have served their country with a special day of recognition; and Whereas Birmingham, Alabama, should be recognized for its contributions to the institution of Veterans Day: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)recognizes Birmingham, Alabama, as the home to the first and longest running celebration of Veterans Day; (2)recognizes Raymond Weeks for his pioneering efforts in the establishment of Veterans Day; and (3)honors the sacrifices of, and pays tribute to, the men and women of the United States in uniform who risk life and limb for their country at home and overseas.