[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 42 (Monday, October 24, 2005)]
[Pages 1545-1546]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7947--National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve 
Week, 2005

 October 14, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    In times of crisis, our Nation depends on the courage and 
determination of the members of our National Guard and Reserve. Across 
our country, these dedicated citizen-soldiers are answering the call to 
serve. During National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, 
we honor the vital contributions of members of our Guard and Reserve, 
and we express our gratitude for the support shown to them by their 
employers.
    In every generation, America has turned to the National Guard and 
Reserve to help respond to natural disasters, secure our

[[Page 1546]]

homeland, and defend our liberty. Today, National Guard and Reserve 
personnel are serving on the front lines of freedom in the war on 
terror, and they have provided vital relief to our citizens affected by 
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Balancing the demands of their families, 
civilian careers, and military assignments, members of our Guard and 
Reserve demonstrate personal courage, love of country, and a commitment 
to duty that inspires all Americans.
    Employers play a critical role in helping the men and women of the 
National Guard and Reserve carry out their mission. In offices, schools, 
hospitals, and other workplaces, employers provide time off, pay, 
health-care benefits, and job security to their Guard and Reserve 
employees. These patriotic efforts allow our men and women in uniform to 
focus on their military assignments and help strengthen our country. 
Americans are grateful to these employers for putting the needs of our 
citizens and our country's safety and security first.
    As we continue to fight terrorism and advance peace around the 
world, Americans stand strongly and proudly behind the men and women of 
the National Guard and Reserve, and we express our appreciation for the 
commitment of their employers.
    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 October 16 through October 
22, 2005, as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week. I 
encourage all Americans to join me in expressing our thanks to members 
of our National Guard and Reserve and their civilian employers for their 
patriotism and sacrifices on behalf of our Nation. I also call upon 
State and local officials, private organizations, businesses, and all 
military commanders to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and 
activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day 
of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 18, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
19. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.