Commander in Chief's Veterans Day Proclamation

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A Veterans Day Proclamation by the
President of the United States of America

The willingness of America's veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. On this, our Nation's 50th annual Veterans Day observance, we celebrate and honor the patriots who have fought to protect the democratic ideals that are the foundation of our country.

When the armistice ending World War I was signed on November 11, 1918, more than 4.7 million Americans put down their arms and turned to the work of strengthening our Nation. The end of that first global conflict was initially commemorated as Armistice Day. In 1954, the Congress renamed the day as Veterans Day to recognize all those who have served in our Armed Forces.

Throughout our history, loyal citizens from every corner of America have willingly assumed the duty of military life. And time after time, in conflicts across the globe, they have proven that democracy is mightier than tyranny. From World War I and World War II, to the conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf, to the recent battles in the war on terror, our military has built a great tradition of courageous and faithful service. Our veterans
have helped bring freedom to countries around the world. Free nations and peoples liberated by American troops are grateful for the long, distinguished line of American veterans who have come to their aid.

Today, our veterans inspire new generations of Americans as we work to defeat terrorism and advance peace. In respect for and 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, 2003, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2003, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through
appropriate ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to 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 suitable commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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NNS031107-03.
SECNAV Sends Veterans' Day Message

Special message from Secretary of the Navy Gordon R. England

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- In 1918, at the 11th hour, of the
11th day, of the 11th month, the guns of World War I fell silent.
After years of bloody struggle, "the war to end all wars" had at
last come to a close. This is the genesis of Veteran's Day.
Throughout the 20th century, more wars, suffering and sacrifice
followed this devastating conflict.

In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower issued a proclamation
calling on the Nation to "solemnly remember the sacrifices of all
those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on
foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us
reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring
peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain."

Today, the words of Eisenhower retain their deep, profound
meaning.

Your service abroad and at home calls for many sacrifices, but
we have fought hard to not only preserve our freedom and way
of life, but to bring freedom to the oppressed. We continue to
engage throughout the world, and by working to rebuild Iraq and
Afghanistan, we are helping to bring hope for the future and an
enduring peace.

You can take pride in the knowledge that future generations will
pause on this day to remember your contributions to peace.
They will remember how you defeated brutal tyrants in
Afghanistan and Iraq, removing the enemy with one hand and
restoring hope with the other. They will remember your countless
acts of compassion and service around the world from bringing
stability to the Liberia to fighting fires in California and helping
your neighbors in the wake of hurricane Isabel. They will
remember that you stood watch at the front lines in America's
defense and defeated every threat.

As we remember those who have gone before us, so too will
you be remembered by generations yet unborn. I am deeply
honored to stand with those who serve the cause of Freedom.
Our nation is grateful to you and your families for your service
and sacrifice. May God bless our veterans, and may God
continue to bless the United States of America.


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