Happy Veterans Day

Today we honor the countless brave and noble men and women who have served and fought to preserve our beloved country.


We would not be here or free today, if it were not for them. Every single American (and, frankly most of the people of the world who are free) owes thanks to the Men and Women of the United States Military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. May God bless you and keep you. And, may you always know that your are remembered. (And don't forget to pin your medals on and wear them proudly!)


You can read about the history of Veterans Day here.

Veterans Day Proclamation

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
_________________________________


President Bush spoke at a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetary today:

WASHINGTON — President Bush on Saturday hailed members of the armed services for their dedication and bravery and said American troops have helped the oppressed around the world.

"They confront grave danger to defend the safety of the American people. They brought down tyrants. They've liberated two nations. They have helped bring freedom to more than 50 million people. Through their sacrifice, they're making this nation safer and more secure, and they are earning the proud title of veteran," the commander in chief said in a Veterans Day speech at Arlington National Cemetery.

Bush did not mention Iraq and Afghanistan by name, though he did say, "From Valley Forge to Vietnam, from Kuwait to Kandahar, from Berlin to Baghdad, our veterans have borne the costs of America's wars, and they have stood watch over America's peace."

Minutes before his remarks, the president laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and held his hand over his heart as a bugler played "Taps." Cannons fired a 21-gun salute and soldiers holding rifles stood at attention as Bush's motorcade made its way through the cemetery on a sunny fall morning.

Photos are here and here.

The Department of Veteran's Affairs Veteran's Day Page.

Veterans Day National Ceremony Speakers and Speeches

Can you contribute? Veterans History Project

The Library of Congress invites you to join it in collecting audio- and video-taped oral histories, along with documents such as letters, diaries, maps, photographs, and home movies, of America's war veterans and those who served in support of them during World War I, World War II, and the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars.

-Michelle Malkin: Veterans Day: Rememeber
-A Rose By Any Other Name: Veteran’s Day 2006 (Plus, Anna has tons of links to help our military. Do your part!)
-Stop the ACLU: Happy Veterans Day
-Blue Star Chronicles: Veterans Day 2006
-Wake Up America: Veterans Day and a Soldiers Reaction.
-This That And Frog Hair: Today Is For

And, please, show support for our future veterans:


And then, go donate to Operation Valour-IT:

Team Navy has reach its goal, but you can still donate (or donate to Teams Marines, Air Force, or Army).

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