[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8080--OCT. 31, 2006
Proclamation 8080 of October 31, 2006
Veterans Day, 2006
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Through the generations, America's men and women in uniform have
defeated tyrants, liberated continents, and set a standard of courage
and idealism for the entire world. On Veterans Day, our Nation pays
tribute to those who have proudly served in our Armed Forces.
To protect the Nation they love, our veterans stepped forward when
America needed them most. In conflicts around the world, their sacrifice
and resolve helped destroy the enemies of freedom and saved millions
from oppression. In answering history's call with honor, decency, and
resolve, our veterans have shown the power of liberty and earned the
respect and admiration of a grateful Nation.
All of America's veterans have placed our Nation's security before their
own lives, creating a debt that we can never fully repay. Our veterans
represent the best of America, and they deserve the best America can
give them.
As we recall the service of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and
Coast Guardsmen, we are reminded that the defense of freedom comes with
great loss and sacrifice. This Veterans Day, we give thanks to those who
have served freedom's cause; we salute the members of our Armed Forces
who are confronting our adversaries abroad; and we honor the men and
women who left America's shores but did not live to be thanked as
veterans. They will always be remembered by our country.

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120 STAT. 3915

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, 2006, as Veterans Day and urge
all Americans to observe November 5 through November 11, 2006, as
National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage 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 support 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 thirty-first day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
GEORGE W. BUSH