[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 46 (Monday, November 15, 2004)]
[Page 2809]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7844--Veterans Day, 2004

 November 9, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Americans live in freedom because of our veterans' courage, 
dedication to duty, and love of country. On Veterans Day, we honor these 
brave men and women who have served in our Armed Forces and defended our 
Nation.
    Across America, there are more than 25 million veterans. Their ranks 
include generations of citizens who have risked their lives while 
serving in military conflicts, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, 
the Persian Gulf, and the war on terror. They have fought for the 
security of our country and the peace of the world. They have defended 
our founding ideals, protected the innocent, and liberated the oppressed 
from tyranny and terror. They have known the hardships and the fears and 
the tragic losses of war. Our veterans know that in the harshest hours 
of conflict they serve just and honorable purposes.
    Through the years, our veterans have returned home from their duties 
to become active and responsible citizens in their communities, further 
contributing to the growth and development of our Nation. Their 
commitment to service inspires all Americans.
    With respect for and in 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, 2004, as Veterans Day and urge 
all Americans to observe November 7 through November 13, 2004, as 
National Veterans Awareness Week. I urge all Americans to recognize the 
valor and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I 
call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the 
United States and to encourage and 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 commemorative expressions and programs.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of 
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:46 a.m., November 10, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
November 12.