Veterans Day, 2013

Vol. 78

Friday,

No. 217

November 8, 2013

Part IV

The President

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Proclamation 9055--Veterans Day, 2013

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 9055 of November 5, 2013

Veterans Day, 2013

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On Veterans Day, America pauses to honor every service
member who has ever worn one of our Nation's uniforms.
Each time our country has come under attack, they have
risen in her defense. Each time our freedoms have come
under assault, they have responded with resolve.
Through the generations, their courage and sacrifice
have allowed our Republic to flourish. And today, a
Nation acknowledges its profound debt of gratitude to
the patriots who have kept it whole.

As we pay tribute to our veterans, we are mindful that
no ceremony or parade can fully repay that debt. We
remember that our obligations endure long after the
battle ends, and we make it our mission to give them
the respect and care they have earned. When America's
veterans return home, they continue to serve our
country in new ways, bringing tremendous skills to
their communities and to the workforce--leadership
honed while guiding platoons through unbelievable
danger, the talent to master cutting-edge technologies,
the ability to adapt to unpredictable situations. These
men and women should have the chance to power our
economic engine, both because their talents demand it
and because no one who fights for our country should
ever have to fight for a job.

This year, in marking the 60th anniversary of the
Korean War Armistice, we resolved that in the United
States of America, no war should be forgotten, and no
veteran should be overlooked. Let us always remember
our wounded, our missing, our fallen, and their
families. And as we continue our responsible drawdown
from the war in Afghanistan, let us welcome our
returning heroes with the support and opportunities
they deserve.

Under the most demanding of circumstances and in the
most dangerous corners of the earth, America's veterans
have served with distinction. With courage, self-
sacrifice, and devotion to our Nation and to one
another, they represent the American character at its
best. On Veterans Day and every day, we celebrate their
immeasurable contributions, draw inspiration from their
example, and renew our commitment to showing them the
fullest support of a grateful Nation.

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, 2013, 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 thirteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.