Presidential Proclamation -- Veterans Day
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
On Veterans Day, we come together to pay tribute to the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Americans across this land commemorate the patriots who have risked their lives to preserve the liberty of our Nation, the families who support them, and the heroes no longer with us. It is not our weapons or our technology that make us the most advanced military in the world; it is the unparalleled spirit, skill, and devotion of our troops. As we honor our veterans with ceremonies on this day, let our actions strengthen the bond between a Nation and her warriors.
In an unbroken line of valor stretching across more than two centuries, our veterans have charged into harm's way, sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice, to protect the freedoms that have blessed America. Whether Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard, they are our Nation's finest citizens, and they have shown the heights to which Americans can rise when asked and inspired to do so. Our courageous troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the globe have earned their place alongside previous generations of great Americans, serving selflessly, tour after tour, in conflicts spanning nearly a decade.
Long after leaving the uniform behind, many veterans continue to serve our country as public servants and mentors, parents and community leaders. They have added proud chapters to the story of America, not only on the battlefield, but also in communities from coast to coast. They have built and shaped our Nation, and it is our solemn promise to support our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen as they return to their homes and families.
America's sons and daughters have not watched over her shores or her citizens for public recognition, fanfare, or parades. They have preserved our way of life with unwavering patriotism and quiet courage, and ours is a debt of honor to care for them and their families. These obligations do not end after their time of service, and we must fulfill our sacred trust to care for our veterans after they retire their uniforms.
As a grateful Nation, we are humbled by the sacrifices rendered by our service members and their families out of the deepest sense of service and love of country. On Veterans Day,let us remember our solemn obligations to our veterans, and recommit to upholding the enduring principles that our country lives for, and that our fellow citizens have fought and died for.
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 our Nation's veterans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2010, 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 ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA
Well, a virtual beer for you, sir: I choose Trappist Rochefort #8. Almost a religious experience in itself.
ReplyDeleteTo you and your brothers-in-arms, with gratitude.
- C
THANK YOU, Buck! We are so grateful for all the men and women who have served and are currently serving this wonderful country. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteComing from Obama, it somehow means less (much less) than if it had come from a President that genuinely appreciates those great and selfless souls who served their country with distinction. That's a pity, because everyone who has put on the uniform deserves 'real' respect. For those of you who have worn that uniform with pride, I salute you!
ReplyDeleteI actually like the pic a lot. It makes me wonder when we "officially" went with Gulf War I? I thought it was Desert Storm. Or maybe Desert Shield/Storm. Then the following ONW/OSW. What exactly constitutes Gulf War I? Glad they put Kandahar on there. More for the Army/Marines, but the USAF has its share of people there too...
ReplyDeleteGreat post Dad!
SN1
Amen, Buck.
ReplyDeleteAnd, God bless, and Thank You for your service. Same goes for your family members, of course.
Happy Veterans Day, sir! Thank you for your service, and for passing the torch to two of our finest.
ReplyDeleteI mean it.
http://ukforcesafghanistan.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/local-reaction.jpg
ReplyDeleteFrom one Vet to another, thank you, Sir.
ReplyDeleteI choose Trappist Rochefort #8. Almost a religious experience in itself.
ReplyDeleteAhhh! I have a bottle of Brouwerij Cassis Lambic in my fridge I plan to tap today. But I'd love to raise a glass of Rochefort #8 with you, Cricket. Thank you!
Buck: That's a fair point about "Gulf War I." I also have a minor quibble with "Rolling Thunder", e.g., if they're gonna list bombing campaigns/air battles, why not Schweinfurt or Ploesti? I understand the concept of space limitations, so I guess I should be happy USAF was acknowledged in the first place.
Jenny, Jim, and Andy: Thank you.
Alison: Thanks for that link. That's a GREAT pic!
Buck - my "thank you" just doesn't seem like enough. And it's all I have so - my deepest thanks for your service.
ReplyDeleteI stop almost daily and wonder - what do we private citizens do to deserve our warriors?
Oops! Forgot to answer you, Dan. I'll cut The One some slack here. Even though he might just be going thru the motions, and even if some unacknowledged anonymous speechwriter actually wrote those words, he's still doing what's required of him as president. And I'm doing what's required of ME as far as respecting the office. As we used to say: it's the uniform we respect and salute, not the man. Some men earn our respect, others earn our contempt. I'll let you decide where I fall on that question.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your service, Buck. And thank you to your sons, who are now carrying the torch.
ReplyDeleteKris: Like I told Andy, it's the vagaries of moderation that cause me to be late in reply to some comments. But thanks for your gratitude. "T'warnt nuthin', Ma'am. My pleasure."
ReplyDeleteBR: Backatcha, Sailor! ;-)
Thanks to you and yours!
ReplyDelete*clink* To those who wear the uniform -- those among us and those who have gone before, with gratitude.
Right back atcha, Moogie. And "clink" it is! Lather, rinse, repeat!
ReplyDeleteI like that you
ReplyDeletethink. Thank you for share very
Buck, thank you to you and your sons for serving. You don't have to hav seen combat to be a hero. With sons who have been deployed, you are that much more a veteran.
ReplyDeleteLou: Thank ya, Ma'am.
ReplyDelete