[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.