[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 220 (Friday, November 14, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 64491-64492]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-28683]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 220 / Friday, November 14, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 64491]]

                Proclamation 7733 of November 10, 2003

                
Veterans Day, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The willingness of America's veterans to sacrifice for 
                our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. On 
                this, our Nation's 50th annual Veterans Day observance, 
                we celebrate and honor the patriots who have fought to 
                protect the democratic ideals that are the foundation 
                of our country.

                When the armistice ending World War I was signed on 
                November 11, 1918, more than 4.7 million Americans put 
                down their arms and turned to the work of strengthening 
                our Nation. The end of that first global conflict was 
                initially commemorated as Armistice Day. In 1954, the 
                Congress renamed the day as Veterans Day to recognize 
                all those who have served in our Armed Forces.

                Throughout our history, loyal citizens from every 
                corner of America have willingly assumed the duty of 
                military life. And time after time, in conflicts across 
                the globe, they have proven that democracy is mightier 
                than tyranny. From World War I and World War II, to the 
                conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf, to 
                the recent battles in the war on terror, our military 
                has built a great tradition of courageous and faithful 
                service. Our veterans have helped bring freedom to 
                countries around the world. Free nations and peoples 
                liberated by American troops are grateful for the long, 
                distinguished line of American veterans who have come 
                to their aid.

                Today, our veterans inspire new generations of 
                Americans as we work to defeat terrorism and advance 
                peace. In respect for and 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, 2003, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to 
                observe November 9 through November 15, 2003, as 
                National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all 
                Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our 
                veterans through appropriate ceremonies and prayers. I 
                call upon Federal, State, and local officials to 
                display the flag of the United States and to 
                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 suitable commemorative expressions and 
                programs.

[[Page 64492]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-28683
Filed 11-13-03; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P