    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [November 14, 2003]
    [Pages 1543-1544]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Memorandum on Return of Activated Military Members to Federal Civilian
    Employment
    November 14, 2003

    Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

    Subject: Return of Activated Military Members to Federal Civilian
    Employment

        As we welcome home returning Federal civil servants who were called
    to active duty in the continuing Global War on Terrorism, we recognize
    the contributions they have made in the defense of freedom. Whether they
    served with the Reserve Forces or the Air and Army National Guard, each
    of them has my personal gratitude and the respect and admiration of a
    grateful Nation.
        The Federal Government will continue to be the model for employer
    support to the Guard and Reserve. We are the guarantors of the rights of
    returning service members under the Uniformed Services Employment and
    Reemployment Rights Act, and I am personally committed to providing each
    of them with our full support, recognition, and assistance. Accordingly,
    I hereby direct you to grant Federal employees under your authority who
    are returning from active duty 5 days of uncharged leave from their
    civilian duties, consistent with the provisions of Federal law.
        We also are grateful for the extra efforts of the many Federal
    civilian employees

    [[Page 1544]]

    who, in the absence of their fellow activated workers, have contributed
    to the War on Terror, and I urge you to recognize these Federal
    employees by appropriate means.

                                                              George W. Bush