[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 35 (Monday, September 3, 2007)]
[Pages 1155-1156]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8171--National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve 
Week, 2007

 August 30, 2007

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    During National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, we 
recognize the vital contributions of the brave men and women who serve 
our great Nation, and we pay tribute to the employers who support them.
    The courageous men and women of the National Guard and Reserve are 
fighting a new and unprecedented war, having answered the call to defend 
our freedom and way of life. At home, the National Guard is working to 
protect our borders, and provide vital aid and assistance in times of 
crisis and natural disasters. The dedicated service of those who wear 
the uniform reflects the best of America, and all Americans are proud to 
stand behind the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve.

[[Page 1156]]

    Our Nation also appreciates the sacrifice of employers across our 
country who support the important mission of our National Guard and 
Reserve personnel. Employers across America demonstrate their patriotism 
by providing time off, pay, health-care benefits, and job security to 
their Guard and Reserve employees, helping them prepare for their return 
to families and to civilian life. The commitment of our Nation's 
employers is a vital and integral part of the success of our Armed 
Forces.

    During National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, we 
offer our country's deepest gratitude to the dedicated men and women of 
the National Guard and Reserve and to the employers who support them in 
their important service to our Nation.

    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 September 9 through 
September 15, 2007, 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 thirtieth day 
of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 4, 
2007]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on August 31, and it will be published in the Federal Register 
on September 5.