[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 46 (Monday, November 17, 2003)]
[Page 1577]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7733--Veterans Day, 2003

 November 10, 2003

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    The willingness of America's veterans to sacrifice for our country 
has earned them our lasting gratitude. On this, our Nation's 50th annual 
Veterans Day observance, we celebrate and honor the patriots who have 
fought to protect the democratic ideals that are the foundation of our 
country.
    When the armistice ending World War I was signed on November 11, 
1918, more than 4.7 million Americans put down their arms and turned to 
the work of strengthening our Nation. The end of that first global 
conflict was initially commemorated as Armistice Day. In 1954, the 
Congress renamed the day as Veterans Day to recognize all those who have 
served in our Armed Forces.
    Throughout our history, loyal citizens from every corner of America 
have willingly assumed the duty of military life. And time after time, 
in conflicts across the globe, they have proven that democracy is 
mightier than tyranny. From World War I and World War II, to the 
conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf, to the recent battles 
in the war on terror, our military has built a great tradition of 
courageous and faithful service. Our veterans have helped bring freedom 
to countries around the world. Free nations and peoples liberated by 
American troops are grateful for the long, distinguished line of 
American veterans who have come to their aid.
    Today, our veterans inspire new generations of Americans as we work 
to defeat terrorism and advance peace. In respect for and recognition of 
the contributions our service men and women 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 veterans.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2003, as Veterans Day and urge 
all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2003, as 
National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize 
the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate ceremonies 
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 invite civic and fraternal organizations, places 
of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this 
national observance with suitable commemorative expressions and 
programs.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of 
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., November 13, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
November 14. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish 
language version of this proclamation.