Veterans Day, 2014

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 9208 of November 7, 2014

Veterans Day, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Since the birth of our Nation, American patriots have
stepped forward to serve our country and defend our way
of life. With honor and distinction, generations of
servicemen and women have taken up arms to win our
independence, preserve our Union, and secure our
freedom. From the Minutemen to our Post-9/11
Generation, these heroes have put their lives on the
line so that we might live in a world that is safer,
freer, and more just, and we owe them a profound debt
of gratitude. On Veterans Day, we salute the Soldiers,
Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who have
rendered the highest service any American can offer,
and we rededicate ourselves to fulfilling our
commitment to all those who serve in our name.

Today, we are reminded of our solemn obligation: to
serve our veterans as well as they have served us. As
we continue our responsible drawdown from the war in
Afghanistan and more members of our military return to
civilian life, we must support their transition and
make sure they have access to the resources and
benefits they have earned. My Administration is working
to end the tragedy of homelessness among our veterans,
and we are committed to providing them with quality
health care, access to education, and the tools they
need to find a rewarding career. As a Nation, we must
ensure that every veteran has the chance to share in
the opportunity he or she has helped to defend. Those
who have served in our Armed Forces have the
experience, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve
success as members of our civilian workforce, and it is
critical that we harness their talent.

Across our country, veterans who fought to protect our
democracy around the globe are strengthening it here at
home. Once leaders in the Armed Forces, they are now
pioneers of industry and pillars of their communities.
Their character reflects our enduring American spirit,
and in their example, we find inspiration and strength.

This day, and every day, we pay tribute to America's
sons and daughters who have answered our country's
call. We recognize the sacrifice of those who have been
part of the finest fighting force the world has ever
known and the loved ones who stand beside them. We will
never forget the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice
and all those who have not yet returned home. As a
grateful Nation, let us show our appreciation by
honoring all our veterans and working to ensure the
promise of America is within the reach of all who have
protected it.

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, 2014, 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
seventh day of November, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.