[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 45 (Monday, November 11, 2002)]
[Page 2013]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7624--National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve 
Week, 2002

 November 8, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Our National Guard and Reserve units comprise 38 percent of 
America's military forces, and we are grateful for the commitment of 
these brave men and women. During National Employer Support of the Guard 
and Reserve Week, we pay tribute to those serving our Nation in the 
National Guard and Reserve, and to the civilian employers whose 
continued support enables our Reserve component soldiers, sailors, 
airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen to defend our country with honor 
and distinction.
    Through their service, National Guard and Reserve personnel play an 
important role in our efforts to advance democracy, peace, and freedom 
across our Nation and around the world. These dedicated men and women 
train vigorously and work closely with our active-duty forces, serving 
as equal partners in our integrated Armed Forces. As our need for their 
efforts expands, these citizen-soldiers will spend more time away from 
their families, homes, and workplaces protecting our Nation and the 
ideals that make us strong.
    As we face new challenges and welcome new opportunities, the 
continued support of patriotic employers remains vital to the success of 
our National Guard and Reserve. Our volunteer National Guardsmen and 
Reservists rely on their employers for essential support and 
encouragement that often come at the employer's expense. These employers 
reflect the spirit of our Nation, and during this week I join with 
members of our Armed Forces and all our citizens in recognizing those 
who serve in our National Guard and Reserve and all who support them, 
and all Americans whose contributions and sacrifices help our military 
remain the finest fighting force in the world.
    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 November 10 through 
November 16, 2002, as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve 
Week. I encourage all Americans to join me in expressing our heartfelt 
thanks to the civilian employers of the members of our National Guard 
and Reserve for their extraordinary 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 eighth day of 
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:49 a.m., November 12, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
November 13.