[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 218 (Tuesday, November 12, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 68751-68752]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-28892]



[[Page 68749]]

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Part III





The President





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Proclamation 7623--Veterans Day, 2002
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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 218 / Tuesday, November 12, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 68751]]

                Proclamation 7623 of November 6, 2002

                
Veterans Day, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                America was founded on the principles of liberty, 
                opportunity, and justice for all, and on Veterans Day 
                we recognize the men and women of our Armed Forces who 
                have valiantly defended these values throughout our 
                Nation's history. These remarkable individuals have 
                helped to make our Nation secure and to advance the 
                cause of freedom worldwide. By answering the call of 
                duty and risking their lives to protect their fellow 
                countrymen, these patriots have inspired our Nation 
                with their courage, compassion, and dedication.

                There are currently more than 25 million living 
                American veterans, many of whom put their lives on the 
                line to preserve our freedoms. Our veterans served on 
                the land, at sea, and in the air, from the shores of 
                Omaha Beach and the jungles of Vietnam, to the sands of 
                the Persian Gulf, the mountains of Afghanistan, and 
                many other battlefields around the globe. Through each 
                of these challenges, the members of the Army, Navy, Air 
                Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have protected our 
                country and liberated millions of people around the 
                world from the threats of tyranny and terror.

                Our proud veterans have also helped to shape the 
                American character. They have given us an extraordinary 
                legacy of patriotism and honor, and their service 
                represents the highest form of citizenship. So that 
                young Americans can better understand the commitment 
                and sacrifice of these heroes in securing the blessings 
                of liberty, I ask all schools to observe November 10 
                through November 16, 2002, as National Veterans 
                Awareness Week. I encourage educators to invite 
                veterans to teach our young people about their 
                experiences. By sharing their knowledge on some of the 
                most proud and dramatic moments in our history, they 
                can help educate and inspire a new generation of 
                Americans.

                On the observance of Veterans Day in 1954, President 
                Dwight D. Eisenhower called on all citizens to not only 
                remember ``the sacrifices of all those who fought so 
                valiantly...'' but also to rededicate themselves ``to 
                the task of promoting an enduring peace....'' Today, 
                almost 50 years later, we remember the dedication of 
                our veterans, and resolve ourselves to upholding their 
                legacy of justice, liberty, and opportunity for all.

                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, 2002, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to 
                observe November 10 through November 16, 2002, as 
                National Veterans Awareness Week. I urge all Americans 
                to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans 
                through appropriate public ceremonies and private 
                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

[[Page 68752]]

                this national observance with suitable commemorative 
                expressions and programs.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                sixth day of November, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand two, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-28892
Filed 11-8-02; 11:29 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P