[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9055--NOV. 5, 2013

Proclamation 9055 of November 5, 2013

Veterans Day, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On Veterans Day, America pauses to honor every service member who has
ever worn one of our Nation's uniforms. Each time our country has come
under attack, they have risen in her defense. Each time our freedoms
have come under assault, they have responded with resolve. Through the
generations, their courage and sacrifice have allowed our Republic to
flourish. And today, a Nation acknowledges its profound debt of
gratitude to the patriots who have kept it whole.
As we pay tribute to our veterans, we are mindful that no ceremony or
parade can fully repay that debt. We remember that our obligations
endure long after the battle ends, and we make it our mission to give
them the respect and care they have earned. When America's veterans
return home, they continue to serve our country in new ways, bringing
tremendous skills to their communities and to the workforce--leadership
honed while guiding platoons through unbelievable danger, the talent to
master cutting-edge technologies, the ability to adapt to unpredictable
situations. These men and women should have the chance to power our
economic engine, both because their talents demand it and because no one
who fights for our country should ever have to fight for a job.
This year, in marking the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice,
we resolved that in the United States of America, no war should be
forgotten, and no veteran should be overlooked. Let us always remember
our wounded, our missing, our fallen, and their families. And as we
continue our responsible drawdown from the war in Afghanistan, let us
welcome our returning heroes with the support and opportunities they
deserve.
Under the most demanding of circumstances and in the most dangerous
corners of the earth, America's veterans have served with distinction.
With courage, self-sacrifice, and devotion to our Nation and to one
another, they represent the American character at its best. On Veterans
Day and every day, we celebrate their immeasurable contributions, draw
inspiration from their example, and renew our commitment to showing them
the fullest support of a grateful Nation.



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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, 2013, as Veterans Day. I
encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of 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 fifth day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.
BARACK OBAMA