[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7893--MAY 3, 2005
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

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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.
GEORGE W. BUSH