[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 122, 110th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8275--JULY 23, 2008

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




[[Page 5336]]
122 STAT. 5336

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.
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.
GEORGE W. BUSH