[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 86 (Thursday, May 5, 2005)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 23915-23916]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-9159]



[[Page 23913]]

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Part II





The President





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Proclamation 7893--National Observance of the 60th Anniversary of the 
End of World War II, 2005



Proclamation 7894--Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 2005



Proclamation 7895--Older Americans Month, 2005



Proclamation 7896--National Day of Prayer, 2005
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  Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 86 / Thursday, May 5, 2005 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 23915]]

                Proclamation 7893 of May 3, 2005

                
National Observance of the 60th Anniversary of 
                the End of World War II, 2005

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Sixty years ago, the flags of freedom unfurled across 
                Europe and Asia as victorious American and Allied 
                troops brought World War II to an end. Freedom 
                prevailed when millions were liberated from oppression 
                and tyranny was replaced by democracy.

                The years of World War II were a hard, heroic, and 
                gallant time in the life of our country. When it 
                mattered most, a generation of Americans showed the 
                finest qualities of our Nation and of humanity. More 
                than 16 million Americans served during World War II, 
                putting on the uniform of the Soldier, the Sailor, the 
                Airman, the Marine, the Coast Guardsman, or the 
                Merchant Mariner. They were the sons and daughters of a 
                peaceful country, who gave the best years of their 
                lives to the greatest mission our country ever 
                accepted. They earned 464 Medals of Honor, and over 
                400,000 made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. 
                Millions more supported the war effort at home--caring 
                for the injured and working in factories to provide 
                supplies to those fighting in distant places like 
                Midway, Normandy, Iwo Jima, and Bastogne.

                As the war drew to a close, Americans remained united 
                in support of the vital cause of restoring the liberty 
                of mankind. When the end of the war in Europe was 
                announced on May 8, 1945, hundreds of people rushed to 
                the White House to celebrate the triumph of freedom. 
                President Harry Truman addressed the American people 
                from the White House and said, ``For this victory, we 
                join in offering our thanks to the Providence which has 
                guided and sustained us through the dark days of 
                adversity.'' In the following months, the war in the 
                Pacific was won and a grateful Nation began welcoming 
                home liberty's heroes. Many who had left America's 
                farms and cities as young men and women returned as 
                seasoned veterans ready to finish their education, 
                start families, and assume leadership roles in their 
                communities.

                Today, as we wage the war on terror and work to extend 
                peace and freedom around the world, our service men and 
                women follow in the footsteps of our World War II 
                veterans by upholding the noble tradition of duty, 
                honor, and love of country. Like generations before 
                them, America's Armed Forces are among the world's 
                greatest forces for good, answering today's dangers and 
                challenges with firm resolve. Their vital mission will 
                help secure our Nation in a new century, and all 
                Americans are grateful for their courage, devotion to 
                duty, and sacrifice.

                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 proclaim 2005 as the National 
                Observance of the 60th Anniversary of the End of World 
                War II. I urge all Americans to mark this observance 
                with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities 
                in honor of the Americans who served in World War II 
                and all those who supported and contributed their 
                efforts from the home front during this extraordinary 
                time in history.

[[Page 23916]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 05-9159
Filed 5-4-05; 9:15 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P