[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 215 (Wednesday, November 5, 2008)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 65963-65964]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-26526]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 215 / Wednesday, November 5, 2008 / 
Presidential Documents

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

[[Page 65963]]

                Proclamation 8317 of October 31, 2008

                
Veterans Day, 2008

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and 
                sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our 
                freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United 
                States.

                From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the 
                jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to 
                the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have 
                protected our Nation's ideals, rescued millions from 
                tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe. 
                America's veterans answered the call when asked to 
                protect our Nation from some of the most brutal and 
                ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world 
                has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave 
                danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest 
                force for freedom in human history. Members of the 
                Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have 
                answered a high calling to serve and have helped secure 
                America at every turn.

                Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for 
                their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also 
                remember and honor those who laid down their lives in 
                freedom's defense. These brave men and women made the 
                ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we 
                remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, 
                and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices 
                continue to inspire us today as we work to advance 
                peace and extend freedom around the world.

                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 America's veterans.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 
                11, 2008, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to 
                observe November 9 through November 15, 2008, as 
                National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all 
                Americans to recognize the bravery 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 support 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.

[[Page 65964]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord 
                two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
                third.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E8-26526
Filed 11-4-08; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P