Veterans Day, 2011

Vol. 76

Monday,

No. 215

November 7, 2011

Part VIII

The President

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Proclamation 8751--Veterans Day, 2011

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8751 of November 3, 2011

Veterans Day, 2011

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Today, our Nation comes together to honor our veterans
and commemorate the legacy of profound service and
sacrifice they have upheld in pursuit of a more perfect
Union. Through their steadfast defense of America's
ideals, our service members have ensured our country
still stands strong, our founding principles still
shine, and nations around the world know the blessings
of freedom. As we offer our sincere appreciation and
respect to our veterans, to their families, to those
who are still in harm's way, and to those we have laid
to rest, let us rededicate ourselves to serving them as
well as they have served the United States of America.

Our men and women in uniform are bearers of a proud
military tradition that has been dutifully passed
forward--from generation to generation--for more than
two centuries. In times of war and peace alike, our
veterans have served with courage and distinction in
the face of tremendous adversity, demonstrating an
unfaltering commitment to America and our people. Many
have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the
country they loved. The selflessness of our service
members is unmatched, and they remind us that there are
few things more fundamentally American than doing our
utmost to make a difference in the lives of others.

Just as our veterans stood watch on freedom's frontier,
so have they safeguarded the prosperity of our Nation
in our neighborhoods, our businesses, and our homes. As
teachers and engineers, doctors and parents, these
patriots have made contributions to civilian life that
serve as a testament to their dedication to the welfare
of our country. We owe them a debt of honor, and it is
our moral obligation to ensure they receive our support
for as long as they live as proud veterans of the
United States Armed Forces. This year, as our troops in
Iraq complete their mission, we will honor them and all
who serve by working tirelessly to give them the care,
the benefits, and the opportunities they have earned.

On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to our veterans, to the
fallen, and to their families. To honor their
contributions to our Nation, let us strive with renewed
determination to keep the promises we have made to all
who have answered our country's call. As we fulfill our
obligations to them, we keep faith with the patriots
who have risked their lives to preserve our Union, and
with the ideals of service and sacrifice upon which our
Republic was founded.

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 our Nation's veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim November
11, 2011, 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
third day of November, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.