    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 133, 116th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9963 of November 7, 2019

    Veterans Day, 2019

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    On November 11, Americans commemorate the service, sacrifice, and
    immeasurable contributions of our Nation's veterans who have proudly
    worn our country's uniform to defend and preserve our precious liberty.
    As we celebrate Veterans Day, we pause to recognize the brave men and
    women who have fearlessly and faithfully worked to defend the United
    States and our freedom. Their devotion to duty and patriotism deserves
    the respect and admiration of our grateful Nation each and every day. We
    are forever thankful for the many heroes among us who have bravely
    fought around the world to protect us all.
    As Americans, it is our sacred duty to care for and support those who
    have shown courage and conviction in selfless service to our country.
    Safeguarding the health and welfare of our Nation's veterans has been a
    top priority for my Administration. Last year, I was proud to sign into
    law the VA MISSION Act, the most significant reform to the Department of
    Veterans Affairs (VA) in more than 50 years. This historic legislation
    allows veterans to seek timely care from trusted providers within their
    communities. In 2018, I also signed the largest funding bill for the VA
    in history, securing $8.6 billion for veterans' mental health services,
    $400 million for opioid abuse prevention, and $270 million for rural
    veterans' health initiatives. Further, I recently signed a Presidential
    Memorandum directing the Department of Education to discharge some types
    of Federal student loans owed by totally and permanently disabled
    veterans.
    We also must not forget or forsake our veterans in times of distress as
    they transition to civilian life. That is why I signed an Executive
    Order in March addressing veteran suicide, a solemn crisis that requires
    urgent national action. Through this step, we launched the President's
    Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide
    (PREVENTS), which is bringing together all levels of government and the
    private sector to improve the quality of life for our veterans, identify
    and assist veterans in need, and turn the tide on this tragic crisis.
    Time after time, throughout the history of our Republic, veterans have
    defended our way of life with integrity, dedication, and distinction. In
    respectful recognition of the contributions our service members have
    made to advance 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. As
    Commander in Chief of our heroic Armed Forces, I humbly thank our
    veterans and their families for their willingness to answer the call

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    of duty and for their unwavering love of country. Today, we pledge
    always to fight for those who have fought for us, our veterans, who
    represent the best of America. They deserve our prayers, our unending
    support, and our eternal gratitude.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of
    America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2019, as Veterans Day. I
    encourage all Americans to recognize the fortitude and sacrifice of our
    veterans through public ceremonies and private thoughts and 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 seventh day of
    November, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    fourth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP