Veterans Day, 2003

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7733 of November 10, 2003

Veterans Day, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

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.

(Presidential Sig.)B