Veterans Day, 2004

Proclamation 7844 of November 9, 2004

Veterans Day, 2004

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Americans live in freedom because of our veterans'
courage, dedication to duty, and love of country. On
Veterans Day, we honor these brave men and women who
have served in our Armed Forces and defended our
Nation.

Across America, there are more than 25 million
veterans. Their ranks include generations of citizens
who have risked their lives while serving in military
conflicts, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the
Persian Gulf, and the war on terror. They have fought
for the security of our country and the peace of the
world. They have defended our founding ideals,
protected the innocent, and liberated the oppressed
from tyranny and terror. They have known the hardships
and the fears and the tragic losses of war. Our
veterans know that in the harshest hours of conflict
they serve just and honorable purposes.

Through the years, our veterans have returned home from
their duties to become active and responsible citizens
in their communities, further contributing to the
growth and development of our Nation. Their commitment
to service inspires all Americans.

With respect for and in 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, 2004, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to
observe November 7 through November 13, 2004, as
National Veterans Awareness Week. I urge all Americans
to recognize the valor 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 encourage 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
ninth day of November, in the year of our Lord two
thousand four, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

(Presidential Sig.)B