[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 51 (Monday, December 20, 2004)]
[Pages 2963-2964]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7855--60th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, 2004

 December 15, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Sixty years ago, more than 600,000 American soldiers fought at the 
Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes Forest region of Belgium and 
Luxembourg. What began as a German surprise attack on December 16, 1944, 
became the largest land battle involving U.S. troops in World War II and 
ended with an Allied victory on January 25, 1945. By the end of the 
battle, there were 81,000 American casualties, including approximately

[[Page 2964]]

19,000 who had sacrificed their lives. This formidable stand was a 
turning point in the war and was critical to the defeat of Nazi Germany 
and the liberation of Europe from tyranny.
    Americans continue to be inspired by the valor and integrity of 
those who fought and those who died at the Battle of the Bulge. We 
recognize these brave individuals and pay special tribute to all the 
veterans of World War II. When it mattered most, an entire generation of 
Americans showed the finest qualities of our Nation and humanity. Today, 
as we wage a war on terrorism and defend freedom, our service men and 
women follow and uphold this great tradition of achievement and courage. 
Just like their parents and grandparents, the men and women of this 
generation of our military have answered the call to help advance peace 
and democracy and keep the American people safe.
    On the 60th anniversary of one of the fiercest battles of World War 
II, our Nation honors the veterans who share with us the story of this 
epic struggle and all of the brave Americans who fought in the Battle of 
the Bulge.
     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 urge all Americans to observe 
the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. I call upon all 
Americans to observe this occasion with appropriate activities, 
ceremonies, and programs designed to honor those who served and 
sacrificed to liberate Europe and defend America's freedom and security.
     In Witness Whereof,  I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day 
of December, 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, 9:18 a.m., December 17, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on December 16, and it was published in the Federal Register 
on December 20.