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Skriven 2004-11-09 23:32:50 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0411095) for Tue, 2004 Nov 9
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Veterans Day, 2004
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 9, 2004

Veterans Day, 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation


˙˙˙˙˙In Focus: Veterans


Americans live in freedom because of our veterans' courage, dedication to
duty, and love of country. On Veterans Day, we honor these brave men and
women who have served in our Armed Forces and defended our Nation.

Across America, there are more than 25 million veterans. Their ranks
include generations of citizens who have risked their lives while serving
in military conflicts, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian
Gulf, and the war on terror. They have fought for the security of our
country and the peace of the world. They have defended our founding ideals,
protected the innocent, and liberated the oppressed from tyranny and
terror. They have known the hardships and the fears and the tragic losses
of war. Our veterans know that in the harshest hours of conflict they serve
just and honorable purposes.

Through the years, our veterans have returned home from their duties to
become active and responsible citizens in their communities, further
contributing to the growth and development of our Nation. Their commitment
to service inspires all Americans.

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, 2004, as Veterans Day and urge all
Americans to observe November 7 through November 13, 2004, as National
Veterans Awareness Week. I urge 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 encourage 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 ninth day of November,
in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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