[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 44 (Monday, November 7, 2005)]
[Page 1645]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7955--Veterans Day, 2005

 November 2, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Americans owe a great debt of gratitude to those who have sacrificed 
for our liberty and for the security of our Nation. We express deep 
appreciation to our veterans-the men and women who stepped forward when 
America needed them, triumphed over brutal enemies, liberated 
continents, and answered the prayers of millions around the globe.
    From the beaches of Normandy and the snows of Korea to the mountains 
of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq, our courageous veterans have 
sacrificed so that Americans and others could live in freedom. As we 
mark the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II this year, we 
remember the millions of veterans who crossed oceans and defeated two of 
the most ruthless military forces the world has ever known. The freedom 
that the children and grandchildren of these veterans now enjoy is a 
monument to their fallen comrades and the generations of patriots who 
have served our country.
    Through their commitment to freedom, America's veterans have lifted 
millions of lives and made our country and the world more secure. They 
have demonstrated to us that freedom is the mightiest force on Earth. We 
resolve that their sacrifices will always be remembered by a grateful 
Nation.
    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, 2005, as Veterans Day and urge 
all Americans to observe November 6 through November 12, 2005, 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 second day of 
November, 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, 10:58 a.m., November 3, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
November 4.