    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 43 (Monday, November 3, 2008)]
    [Page 1395]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 8317--Veterans Day, 2008

     October 31, 2008

     By the President of the United States

     of America

     A Proclamation

        On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the
    men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the
    uniform of the United States.
        From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of
    Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of
    Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our Nation's ideals, rescued
    millions from tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe.
    America's veterans answered the call when asked to protect our Nation
    from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and
    militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of
    grave danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest force for
    freedom in human history. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines,
    and Coast Guard have answered a high calling to serve and have helped
    secure America at every turn.
        Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet
    courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid
    down their lives in freedom's defense. These brave men and women made
    the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember
    these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Their
    selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance
    peace and extend freedom around the world.
        With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service
    members 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 America's
    veterans.
         Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States
    of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2008, as Veterans Day and
    urge all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2008, as
    National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize
    the bravery 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 eight, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    third.
                                                    George W. Bush

     [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., November 4,
    2008]

    Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on
    November 5.