Veterans Day, 2005

Proclamation 7955 of November 2, 2005

Veterans Day, 2005

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Americans owe a great debt of gratitude to those who
have sacrificed for our liberty and for the security of
our Nation. We express deep appreciation to our
veterans--the men and women who stepped forward when
America needed them, triumphed over brutal enemies,
liberated continents, and answered the prayers of
millions around the globe.

From the beaches of Normandy and the snows of Korea to
the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq,
our courageous veterans have sacrificed so that
Americans and others could live in freedom. As we mark
the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II this
year, we remember the millions of veterans who crossed
oceans and defeated two of the most ruthless military
forces the world has ever known. The freedom that the
children and grandchildren of these veterans now enjoy
is a monument to their fallen comrades and the
generations of patriots who have served our country.

Through their commitment to freedom, America's veterans
have lifted millions of lives and made our country and
the world more secure. They have demonstrated to us
that freedom is the mightiest force on Earth. We
resolve that their sacrifices will always be remembered
by a grateful Nation.

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, 2005, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to
observe November 6 through November 12, 2005, 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
second day of November, in the year of our Lord two
thousand five, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

(Presidential Sig.)B