[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 44 (Monday, November 6, 2006)]
[Pages 1943-1944]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8080--Veterans Day, 2006

 October 31, 2006

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Through the generations, America's men and women in uniform have 
defeated tyrants, liberated continents, and set a standard of courage 
and idealism for the entire world. On Veterans Day, our Nation pays 
tribute to those who have proudly served in our Armed Forces.
    To protect the Nation they love, our veterans stepped forward when 
America needed them most. In conflicts around the world, their sacrifice 
and resolve helped destroy the

[[Page 1944]]

enemies of freedom and saved millions from oppression. In answering 
history's call with honor, decency, and resolve, our veterans have shown 
the power of liberty and earned the respect and admiration of a grateful 
Nation.
    All of America's veterans have placed our Nation's security before 
their own lives, creating a debt that we can never fully repay. Our 
veterans represent the best of America, and they deserve the best 
America can give them.
    As we recall the service of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, 
and Coast Guardsmen, we are reminded that the defense of freedom comes 
with great loss and sacrifice. This Veterans Day, we give thanks to 
those who have served freedom's cause; we salute the members of our 
Armed Forces who are confronting our adversaries abroad; and we honor 
the men and women who left America's shores but did not live to be 
thanked as veterans. They will always be remembered by our country.
    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, 2006, as Veterans Day and 
urge all Americans to observe November 5 through November 11, 2006, as 
National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage 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 support 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 thirty-first 
day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:31 a.m., November 1, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
November 2.