[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 18 (Monday, May 9, 2005)]
[Pages 728-729]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7893--National Observance of the 60th Anniversary of the 
End of World War II, 2005

 May 3, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Sixty years ago, the flags of freedom unfurled across Europe and 
Asia as victorious American and Allied troops brought World War II to an 
end. Freedom prevailed when millions were liberated from oppression and 
tyranny was replaced by democracy.
    The years of World War II were a hard, heroic, and gallant time in 
the life of our country. When it mattered most, a generation of 
Americans showed the finest qualities of our Nation and of humanity. 
More than 16 million Americans served during World War II, putting on 
the uniform of the Soldier, the Sailor, the Airman, the Marine, the 
Coast Guardsman, or the Merchant Mariner. They were the sons and 
daughters of a peaceful country, who gave the best years of their lives 
to the greatest mission our country ever accepted. They earned 464 
Medals of Honor, and over 400,000 made the ultimate sacrifice for 
freedom. Millions more supported the war effort at home--caring for the 
injured and working in factories to provide supplies to those fighting 
in distant places like Midway, Normandy, Iwo Jima, and Bastogne.
    As the war drew to a close, Americans remained united in support of 
the vital cause of restoring the liberty of mankind. When the end of the 
war in Europe was announced on May 8, 1945, hundreds of people rushed to 
the White House to celebrate the triumph of freedom. President Harry 
Truman addressed the American people from the White House and said, 
``For this victory, we join in offering our thanks to the Providence 
which has guided and sustained us through the dark days of adversity.'' 
In the following months, the war in the Pacific was won and a grateful 
Nation began welcoming home liberty's heroes. Many who had left 
America's farms and cities as young men and women returned as seasoned 
veterans ready to finish their education, start families, and assume 
leadership roles in their communities.

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    Today, as we wage the war on terror and work to extend peace and 
freedom around the world, our service men and women follow in the 
footsteps of our World War II veterans by upholding the noble tradition 
of duty, honor, and love of country. Like generations before them, 
America's Armed Forces are among the world's greatest forces for good, 
answering today's dangers and challenges with firm resolve. Their vital 
mission will help secure our Nation in a new century, and all Americans 
are grateful for their courage, devotion to duty, and sacrifice.
    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 2005 as the National 
Observance of the 60th Anniversary of the End of World War II. I urge 
all Americans to mark this observance with appropriate programs, 
ceremonies, and activities in honor of the Americans who served in World 
War II and all those who supported and contributed their efforts from 
the home front during this extraordinary time in history.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of 
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, 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, 9:15 a.m., May 4, 2005]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 5.