[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8751 of November 3, 2011

Veterans Day, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Today, our Nation comes together to honor our veterans and commemorate
the legacy of profound service and sacrifice they have upheld in pursuit
of a more perfect Union. Through their steadfast defense of America's
ideals, our service members have ensured our country still stands
strong, our founding principles still shine, and nations around the
world know the blessings of freedom. As we offer our sincere
appreciation and respect to our veterans, to their families, to those
who are still in harm's way, and to those we have laid to rest, let us
rededicate ourselves to serving them as well as they have served the
United States of America.
Our men and women in uniform are bearers of a proud military tradition
that has been dutifully passed forward--from generation to generation--
for more than two centuries. In times of war and peace alike, our
veterans have served with courage and distinction in the face of
tremendous adversity, demonstrating an unfaltering commitment to America
and our people. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the
country they loved. The selflessness of our service members is
unmatched, and they remind us that there are few things more
fundamentally American than doing our utmost to make a difference in the
lives of others.
Just as our veterans stood watch on freedom's frontier, so have they
safeguarded the prosperity of our Nation in our neighborhoods, our
businesses, and our homes. As teachers and engineers, doctors and
parents, these patriots have made contributions to civilian life that
serve as a testament to their dedication to the welfare of our country.
We owe them a debt of honor, and it is our moral obligation to ensure
they receive our support for as long as they live as proud veterans of
the United States Armed Forces. This year, as our troops in Iraq
complete their mission, we will honor them and all who serve by working
tirelessly to give them the care, the benefits, and the opportunities
they have earned.
On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to our veterans, to the fallen, and to
their families. To honor their contributions to our Nation, let us
strive with renewed determination to keep the promises we have made to
all who have answered our country's call. As we fulfill our obligations
to them, we keep faith with the patriots who have risked their lives to
preserve our Union, and with the ideals of service and sacrifice upon
which our Republic was founded.
With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service
members 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 our Nation's
veterans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2011, as Veterans Day. I
encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of

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our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers.
I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of
the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their
communities. I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal
organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support
this day with commemorative expressions and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA