Friday, November 11, 2011

Veterans Day 2011


VETERANS DAY, 2011

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Today, our Nation comes together to honor our veterans and commemorate the legacy of profound service and sacrifice they have upheld in pursuit of a more perfect Union. Through their steadfast defense of America’s ideals, our service members have ensured our country still stands strong, our founding principles still shine, and nations around the world know the blessings of freedom. As we offer our sincere appreciation and respect to our veterans, to their families, to those who are still in harm’s way, and to those we have laid to rest, let us rededicate ourselves to serving them as well as they have served the United States of America.

Our men and women in uniform are bearers of a proud military tradition that has been dutifully passed forward—from generation to generation—for more than two centuries. In times of war and peace alike, our veterans have served with courage and distinction in the face of tremendous adversity, demonstrating an unfaltering commitment to America and our people. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the country they loved. The selflessness of our service members is unmatched, and they remind us that there are few things more fundamentally American than doing our utmost to make a difference in the lives of others.

Just as our veterans stood watch on freedom’s frontier, so have they safeguarded the prosperity of our Nation in our neighborhoods, our businesses, and our homes. As teachers and engineers, doctors and parents, these patriots have made contributions to civilian life that serve as a testament to their dedication to the welfare of our country. We owe them a debt of honor, and it is our moral obligation to ensure they receive our support for as long as they live as proud veterans of the United States Armed Forces. This year, as our troops in Iraq complete their mission, we will honor them and all who serve by working tirelessly to give them the care, the benefits, and the opportunities they have earned.

On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to our veterans, to the fallen, and to their families. To honor their contributions to our Nation, let us strive with renewed determination to keep the promises we have made to all who have answered our country’s call. As we fulfill our obligations to them, we keep faith with the patriots who have risked their lives to preserve our Union, and with the ideals of service and sacrifice upon which our Republic was founded.

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, 2011, 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 third day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

Thanks to all who served and those still serving.  God Bless you all.  And to our friends and allies throughout the British Commonwealth -- we remember and honor your fallen on this Remembrance Day.  Thank you.

14 comments:

  1. Amen. And a personal thank you to you, Buck.

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  2. Just stopping by to say howdy, and thanks, to you and yours.

    Also for clarifying, in one of your posts, at least in my mind, the difference between Veteran's Day and Memorial Day.

    So I will enjoy my evening robusto with a thought for you. I'd raise a fine beer too, but thanks to Atkins, I'm currently only allowed the piss-water known as "Ultra."

    Mercifully, scotch is considered acceptable also.

    Happy Veteran's Day, Buck.

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  3. From one Vet to another, Thanks, Buck.

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  4. Thanks Buck. And thanks to all those who serve or have served who might come across this post.

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  5. Thanks for your service, Buck, and Happy Veteran's Day!

    I called my dad first thing this morning and thanked him. He and his twin brother were on board a navy ship off the coast of Japan during WWII, ready to invade. Thankfully, it wasn't necessary or I (and my own family) wouldn't even be here. (Alternate realities are strange things to ponder, aren't they?)

    And I'll thank my hubby when he wakes up. He was off the coast of Vietnam during that war. He'll be going to the American Legion Hall this afternoon to "do his duty" with the elderly vets there.

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  6. To Buck and his daring sons - my deepest gratitude.

    They are small words for big deeds and it's all I have to offer. They are given from the depths of my being...

    I love you guys.

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  7. Thank you for your service to our nation, Buck.

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  8. In case you don't see my response to your comment, I'm adding it here:

    Why not record [your father's stories]? Write them up as best you can and blog them, or just save them for your children and grandchildren?

    If they aren't exact, that's all right. I write about my grandparents as best as I remember them. Honestly, I don't always know if my memories are exact. Have I compressed several conversations into one? Is my Thanksgiving reminiscence a mix of every Thanksgiving? I do the best I can, but I'd be the first to admit that memory is a funny thing. Still, I think the words I've given them are true to who they were, if nothing else.

    I read "When I Was Eight." It was a fine piece of writing. I'm sure you could do these stories justice.

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  9. My utmost thanks to you and your fine sons, Buck. You did good and you did your best; ideals that are getting too rare these days. Have a proud & happy Veteran's Day.

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  10. Happy Veterans Day, ya' ol' Zoomie!

    And, many thanks for spreadin' your seed!

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  11. Thank you, Buck. To you AND to both of your serving sons. We owe you all so much.

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  12. A BIG Thank You to you and your family.

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  13. Thank you ALL for such kind thoughts and words. I responded to Cricket's comment on his blog... his Vets Day post is a gem.

    Bec: Please pass along my thanks to Doug and your father when you can.

    Andy: The same from me to your sons.

    Small-Tee: Same to ya, and a belated Happy Birthday to your beloved Corps.

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  14. Thanks to you and yours!

    I spent most of the day at the WWII Museum volunteering. We had a large, upbeat crowd! That was good to see.

    Love the poster, too, BTW. Probably stealing it.

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Just be polite... that's all I ask.