Veterans Day, 2010

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Part V

The President

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Proclamation 8598--Veterans Day, 2010

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8598 of November 5, 2010

Veterans Day, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On Veterans Day, we come together to pay tribute to the
men and women who have worn the uniform of the United
States Armed Forces. Americans across this land
commemorate the patriots who have risked their lives to
preserve the liberty of our Nation, the families who
support them, and the heroes no longer with us. It is
not our weapons or our technology that make us the most
advanced military in the world; it is the unparalleled
spirit, skill, and devotion of our troops. As we honor
our veterans with ceremonies on this day, let our
actions strengthen the bond between a Nation and her
warriors.

In an unbroken line of valor stretching across more
than two centuries, our veterans have charged into
harm's way, sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice, to
protect the freedoms that have blessed America. Whether
Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard, they are our
Nation's finest citizens, and they have shown the
heights to which Americans can rise when asked and
inspired to do so. Our courageous troops in Iraq,
Afghanistan, and around the globe have earned their
place alongside previous generations of great
Americans, serving selflessly, tour after tour, in
conflicts spanning nearly a decade.

Long after leaving the uniform behind, many veterans
continue to serve our country as public servants and
mentors, parents and community leaders. They have added
proud chapters to the story of America, not only on the
battlefield, but also in communities from coast to
coast. They have built and shaped our Nation, and it is
our solemn promise to support our Soldiers, Sailors,
Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen as they return to
their homes and families.

America's sons and daughters have not watched over her
shores or her citizens for public recognition, fanfare,
or parades. They have preserved our way of life with
unwavering patriotism and quiet courage, and ours is a
debt of honor to care for them and their families.
These obligations do not end after their time of
service, and we must fulfill our sacred trust to care
for our veterans after they retire their uniforms.

As a grateful Nation, we are humbled by the sacrifices
rendered by our service members and their families out
of the deepest sense of service and love of country. On
Veterans Day, let us remember our solemn obligations to
our veterans, and recommit to upholding the enduring
principles that our country lives for, and that our
fellow citizens have fought and died for.

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 our Nation's veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim November
11, 2010, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to
recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans

through appropriate public ceremonies and private
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 call on all Americans, including civic
and fraternal organizations, places of worship,
schools, and communities to support this day with
commemorative expressions and programs.

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