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Veterans Day, 2005

November 2, 2005

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Americans owe a great debt of gratitude to those who have sacrificed for our liberty and for the security of our Nation. We express deep appreciation to our veterans -- the men and women who stepped forward when America needed them, triumphed over brutal enemies, liberated continents, and answered the prayers of millions around the globe.

From the beaches of Normandy and the snows of Korea to the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq, our courageous veterans have sacrificed so that Americans and others could live in freedom. As we mark the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II this year, we remember the millions of veterans who crossed oceans and defeated two of the most ruthless military forces the world has ever known. The freedom that the children and grandchildren of these veterans now enjoy is a monument to their fallen comrades and the generations of patriots who have served our country.

Through their commitment to freedom, America 's veterans have lifted millions of lives and made our country and the world more secure. They have demonstrated to us that freedom is the mightiest force on Earth. We resolve that their sacrifices will always be remembered by a grateful Nation.

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, 2005, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 6 through November 12, 2005, 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 second day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth. GEORGE W. BUSH

Buuump!

Thanks, Carlo.

Thanks Carlo,

I'm taking my 92 year old father (WWII veteran) to the Veteran's Day Parade later this morning. Afterwards, we make the trip up to Mt. Rushmore. (He loves going there) This evening I will make his favorite meal. He will be happy.

Ol' Sarge is quite a guy.

Hey carlo!

Your uncle is a great man! Thank you for posting that. :)

"These are the times that try men's souls.
The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will,
in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country;
but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.
Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered;
yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict,
the more glorious the triumph.
What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly:
it is dearness only that gives everything its value."

- Thomas Paine ("The American Crisis")

Veteran's Day November 11, 2005

On muddy ground you slept,
in sand beds you dozed, in the cold, you ate cold meals.
For Freedom.
Your hands froze holding your gun, you baked in scorching desert sun holding your burning hot gun,
For Freedom.
Your ship sailed through enemy fire and took a torpedo or two,
your submarine prowled in murky waters near enemy shores,
you stormed the beaches at Normandy,
you waded through jungles in water up to your shoulders.
For Freedom.
You were captured by the enemy and tortured beyond belief,
by monsters from hell you gave your life.
For Freedom.
Your eyes saw horrors that haunt night and day,
and you say it is an honor to serve your nation.
For Freedom.
You stood tall and said, I’ll go my nation needs me,
yes, you answered the call.
For Freedom.

I see your tear stained face as you stand at your brother’s or sister’s burial.
I see your agony of separation from your loved ones.
Your parents, your wife, your lover, your children, your siblings.
For Freedom.
I see you in wheel chairs on the streets.
Or living in Veterans Hospitals, too, ill, or alone.
For Freedom.
Is Thank You enough for the price you paid?
It’s all I have to give you on this day.
Thank You, Thank You, for my peace, my flag flies high without disgrace.
It’s my uncle’s flag bellowing in the breeze, he was the Sailor you see.
Hoisted up for me by a retired Marine Captain, who was a JAG in Da Nang, Viet Nam.
For Freedom.
My uncle, the Marine, who was buried in his uniform at age ninety.
The Twenty One Gun Salute broke the silence that day, I watched as you were laid away.
For my step father, Army POW, WWII, you carried a metal plate in your head,
For Freedom.
My brothers, one a Marine, one a Sailor, Thank You.
To my Army ex-husband, Thank You.
In gratitude to all Veterans, Thank You, Thank You, for my Freedom.

bentfeather (c) 11-11-05

Happy Veterans Day, Carlo. Thanks for your tribute.

God bless all our valiant service men and women.