Veterans
Day, 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Through the
generations, America's
men and women in uniform have defeated tyrants, liberated continents, and set a
standard of courage and idealism for the entire world. On Veterans Day, our
Nation pays tribute to those who have proudly served in our Armed Forces.
To protect the Nation
they love, our veterans stepped forward when America needed them
most. In conflicts around the world, their sacrifice and resolve helped destroy
the enemies of freedom and saved millions from oppression. In answering
history's call with honor, decency, and resolve, our veterans have shown the
power of liberty and earned the respect and admiration of a grateful Nation.
All of America's
veterans have placed our Nation's security before their own lives, creating a
debt that we can never fully repay. Our veterans represent the best of America, and they deserve the best America can
give them.
As we recall the
service of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, we are
reminded that the defense of freedom comes with great loss and sacrifice. This
Veterans Day, we give thanks to those who have served freedom's cause; we salute
the members of our Armed Forces who are confronting our adversaries abroad; and
we honor the men and women who left America's shores but did not live
to be thanked as veterans. They will always be remembered by our country.
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 veterans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I,
GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby
proclaim November 11, 2006, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe
November 5 through November 11, 2006, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I
encourage all Americans to recognize the valor 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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I
have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our
Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence
of the United States of
America the two hundred and thirty-first.
GEORGE W. BUSH