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

122 STAT. 5348

 
PROCLAMATION 8288--SEPT. 12, 2008



Proclamation 8288 of September 12, 2008
National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, 2008
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Throughout history, America has counted on brave individuals willing to
put on the uniform to protect our land and defend our way of life. This
week we honor and recognize the many contributions members of our
National Guard and Reserve make to our Nation, and we thank the civilian
employers who support these individuals as they answer the call of duty.
The men and women of the National Guard and Reserve have demonstrated
the highest form of citizenship, and their service is vital to the
security of our country and the peace of the world. As the early
patriots who claimed our Nation's liberty did, today's Guard and Reserve
are fighting a new and unprecedented war and pledging their lives and
honor to defend our freedom. As many of those early patriots did,
members of today's Guard and Reserve lead civilian lives but stand ready
to wear our Nation's uniform when liberty is threatened. The families of
the National Guard and Reserve serve our Nation by proudly standing
behind these brave men and women, and America appreciates their
sacrifice as well.
In all they do, the National Guard and Reserve and their families
represent the best of the American spirit.
Our Nation also depends on the commitment of the civilian employers of
the members of the National Guard and Reserve. In offices and factories
across America, organizations do without the talents of many hard-
working people who have been called upon to protect our country. Our
Nation's employers provide time off, pay, healthcare benefits, and job
security because they care about and love their country. These
businesses have put patriotism above profit, and they deserve the
gratitude of all Americans.
During National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, a
grateful country pays tribute to the men and women of the National Guard
and Reserve, and we express our gratitude to the employers who support
them and help enable them to serve.
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 September 14 through
September 20, 2008, as National Employer Support of the Guard and
Reserve Week. I encourage all Americans to join me in expressing our
thanks to members of our National Guard and Reserve and their civilian
employers for their patriotism and sacrifices on behalf of our Nation. I
also call upon State and local officials, private organizations,
businesses, and all military commanders to observe this week with
appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the




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122 STAT. 5349

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
GEORGE W. BUSH