[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 243 (Monday, December 20, 2004)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 76371-76372]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-27944]



[[Page 76369]]

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Part VII





The President





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Proclamation 7855--60th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, 2004
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  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 243 / Monday, December 20, 2004 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 76371]]

                Proclamation 7855 of December 15, 2004

                
60th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, 2004

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Sixty years ago, more than 600,000 American soldiers 
                fought at the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes 
                Forest region of Belgium and Luxembourg. What began as 
                a German surprise attack on December 16, 1944, became 
                the largest land battle involving U.S. troops in World 
                War II and ended with an Allied victory on January 25, 
                1945. By the end of the battle, there were 81,000 
                American casualties, including approximately 19,000 who 
                had sacrificed their lives. This formidable stand was a 
                turning point in the war and was critical to the defeat 
                of Nazi Germany and the liberation of Europe from 
                tyranny.

                Americans continue to be inspired by the valor and 
                integrity of those who fought and those who died at the 
                Battle of the Bulge. We recognize these brave 
                individuals and pay special tribute to all the veterans 
                of World War II. When it mattered most, an entire 
                generation of Americans showed the finest qualities of 
                our Nation and humanity. Today, as we wage a war on 
                terrorism and defend freedom, our service men and women 
                follow and uphold this great tradition of achievement 
                and courage. Just like their parents and grandparents, 
                the men and women of this generation of our military 
                have answered the call to help advance peace and 
                democracy and keep the American people safe.

                On the 60th anniversary of one of the fiercest battles 
                of World War II, our Nation honors the veterans who 
                share with us the story of this epic struggle and all 
                of the brave Americans who fought in the Battle of the 
                Bulge.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby urge all Americans to observe the 
                60th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. I call 
                upon all Americans to observe this occasion with 
                appropriate activities, ceremonies, and programs 
                designed to honor those who served and sacrificed to 
                liberate Europe and defend America's freedom and 
                security.

[[Page 76372]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 04-27944
Filed 12-17-04; 9:18 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P