[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 47 (Monday, November 24, 2003)]
[Page 1620]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Memorandum on Return of Activated Military Members to Federal Civilian 
Employment

November 14, 2003

Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

Subject: Return of Activated Military Members to Federal Civilian 
Employment

    As we welcome home returning Federal civil servants who were called 
to active duty in the continuing Global War on Terrorism, we recognize 
the contributions they have made in the defense of freedom. Whether they 
served with the Reserve Forces or the Air and Army National Guard, each 
of them has my personal gratitude and the respect and admiration of a 
grateful Nation.
    The Federal Government will continue to be the model for employer 
support to the Guard and Reserve. We are the guarantors of the rights of 
returning service members under the Uniformed Services Employment and 
Reemployment Rights Act, and I am personally committed to providing each 
of them with our full support, recognition, and assistance. Accordingly, 
I hereby direct you to grant Federal employees under your authority who 
are returning from active duty 5 days of uncharged leave from their 
civilian duties, consistent with the provisions of Federal law.
    We also are grateful for the extra efforts of the many Federal 
civilian employees who, in the absence of their fellow activated 
workers, have contributed to the War on Terror, and I urge you to 
recognize these Federal employees by appropriate means.
                                                George W. Bush

Note: This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.