[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 145 (Monday, July 28, 2008)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 43605-43606]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 08-1468]


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                         Presidential Documents 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 145 / Monday, July 28, 2008 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 43605]]

                Proclamation 8275 of July 23, 2008

                
60th Anniversary of the Integration of the United 
                States Armed Forces

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The United States is founded upon the belief that every 
                person has unalienable rights and matchless value. 
                Throughout our Nation's history, brave patriots have 
                made great sacrifices to protect this ideal and to 
                advance the cause of freedom around the world. On the 
                60th anniversary of the integration of the United 
                States Armed Forces, we pay tribute to all our service 
                members and veterans, and we underscore our Nation's 
                commitment to equality.

                On July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman signed 
                Executive Order 9981, declaring ``that there shall be 
                equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons 
                in the armed services without regard to race, color, 
                religion or national origin.'' Today, members of our 
                Armed Forces come from many different backgrounds and 
                cultures and are answering the call to service with 
                bravery, decency, and resolve.

                Our Nation has long drawn strength from the diversity 
                of its citizens. Groups such as the Buffalo Soldiers, 
                the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the Tuskegee Airmen, 
                and the ``Borinqueneers'' risked their lives while 
                proudly wearing the uniform of the United States. By 
                performing their missions with integrity and honor, 
                they highlighted the power of liberty, helped open the 
                door of opportunity, and earned the respect and 
                admiration of a grateful Nation.

                On this anniversary, we celebrate the legacy of those 
                who refused to allow adversity to diminish their spirit 
                or extinguish their drive to help America live up to 
                its promise of equality for all people. We also 
                commemorate our veterans and service members whose 
                noble and selfless actions have inspired generations of 
                men and women to follow in their footsteps and made our 
                country a more hopeful place.

                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 July 26, 2008, as the 60th 
                Anniversary of the Integration of the United States 
                Armed Forces and urge all Americans to observe this day 
                with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

[[Page 43606]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-third day of July, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-third. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 08-1468
Filed 07-25-08; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W8-P