Veterans Day, 2008

Proclamation 8317 of October 31, 2008

Veterans Day, 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.