[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7844 of November 9, 2004


 
Veterans Day, 2004


By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Americans live in freedom because of our veterans' courage, dedication
to duty, and love of country. On Veterans Day, we honor these brave men
and women who have served in our Armed Forces and defended our Nation.
Across America, there are more than 25 million veterans. Their ranks
include generations of citizens who have risked their lives while
serving in military conflicts, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam,
the Persian Gulf, and the war on terror. They have fought for the
security of our country and the peace of the world. They have defended
our founding ideals, protected the innocent, and liberated the oppressed
from tyranny and terror. They have known the hardships and the fears and
the tragic losses of war. Our veterans know that in the harshest hours
of conflict they serve just and honorable purposes.
Through the years, our veterans have returned home from their duties to
become active and responsible citizens in their communities, further
contributing to the growth and development of our Nation. Their
commitment to service inspires all Americans.
With respect for and in 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, 2004, as Veterans Day and urge
all Americans to observe November 7 through November 13, 2004, as
National Veterans Awareness Week. I urge all Americans to recognize the
valor and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I
call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the
United States and to encourage and 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 commemorative expressions and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of
November, 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.
GEORGE W. BUSH

PROCLAMATION 7845--NOV. 9, 2004

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