President Bush Honors Veterans at Arlington National Cemetery

The White House ^ | November 11, 2006 | President George W. Bush

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Honoring Our Veterans

 

President George W. Bush welcomes Bob Wallace, left, the executive director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Washington Office; Gary Kurpius, the National Commander-In-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Gordon Mansfield, right, the deputy secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs, to the Oval Office for a meeting Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2006. The VFW, founded in 1899, is the largest organization of combat veterans with some 2.4 million members in 9,500 VFW Posts worldwide. White House photo by Paul Morse

President Bush Honors Veterans at Arlington National Cemetery

"On this day, in this month, at this hour, our nation remembers the moment when the guns of World War I went silent -- and we recognize the service and the sacrifice of our nation's veterans. 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. The American people are grateful to the veterans and all who have fought for our freedom. ... On this Veterans Day, we give thanks for the 24 million Americans who strengthen our nation with their example of service and sacrifice. Our veterans are drawn from many generations and from many backgrounds. Some charged across great battlefields. Some fought on the high seas. Some patrolled the open skies. And all contributed to the character and to the greatness of America."

-- President George W. Bush
Arlington National Cemetery
November 11, 2006

Veterans Day, 2006

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

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Never forget our troops, never forget our allies:

Great Britain Remember them at 11 o'clock (Touching story for Remembrance Day)

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PHOTO GALLERY President Bush speaks at Arlington National Cemetery - South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Veterans from the VFW National Honor Guard stand at attention as U.S. after U.S. President George W. Bush finished speaking on Veterans Day at Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Veterans Day, previously known as Armistice Day, started when WWI ended and eventually became a national holiday and the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. Military veterans.

(Getty Images/Mark Wilson)

Nov 11, 2006

President Bush, center, flanked by Veterans Affairs Secretary James Nicholson, right, and Tom Poulter, left, applaud during Veterans Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.

(AP/MANUEL BALCE CENETA)

Nov 11, 2006

U.S. President George W. Bush places a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day at Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Veterans Day, previously known as Armistice Day, started when WWI ended and eventually became a national holiday and the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. Military veterans.

(Getty Images/Mark Wilson)

Nov 11, 2006

President Bush speaks at the Veterans Days ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington,Va.

(AP/LAWRENCE JACKSON)

Nov 11, 2006

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Text of President Bush's speech at Arlington National Cemetery South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Text of President Bush's speech at Arlington National Cemetery

The Associated Press
 

 

 

Text of President Bush's Veterans Day speech at Arlington National Cemetery as transcribed by the White House.

Thank you. Thanks for coming. Secretary Nicholson, thank you for your kind words and for your leadership. Members of the Cabinet, Members of Congress, members of the United State military, all veterans, all volunteers who have sworn to uphold the security of the United States, I thank your families for being here and I thank our veterans. I am proud to join you on this day of honor.

On this day, in this month, at this hour, our nation remembers the moment when the guns of World War I went silent -- and we recognize the service and the sacrifice of our nation's veterans. 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. The American people are grateful to the veterans and all who have fought for our freedom.

Since the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, the National Cemetery has reminded our citizens of the cost of liberty. The simple white markers testify to honor fulfilled and duty served. Most of these markers stand over graves of Americans who came home to enjoy the peace they earned. Too many stand over the graves of those who gave their lives to protect that peace. This day is dedicated to all who answered the call to service -- whether they live in honor among us, or sleep in valor beneath this sacred ground.

On this Veterans Day, we give thanks for the 24 million Americans who strengthen our nation with their example of service and sacrifice. Our veterans are drawn from many generations and from many backgrounds. Some charged across great battlefields. Some fought on the high seas. Some patrolled the open skies. And all contributed to the character and to the greatness of America.

On this Veterans Day, we honor a new generation of men and women who are defending our freedom. Since September the 11th, 2001, our Armed Forces have engaged the enemy, the terrorists on many fronts. At this moment, more than 1.4 million Americans are on active duty, serving in the cause of freedom and peace around the world. They are our nation's finest citizens. They confront grave danger to defend the safety of the American people. They've brought down tyrants, they've liberated two nations, they have helped bring freedom to more than 50 million people.

On this Veterans Day, we're humbled by the strong hearts of those who have served. Last week, Secretary Nicholson told me about a visit he made to New York City where he met a group of veterans who lost limbs in this war. Secretary Nicholson asked them how they could keep their spirits up. One man answered, ``Sir, it is because we feel the American people are so appreciative of our service.'' Many of our veterans bear the scars of their service to our country and we are a nation that will keep its commitments to those who have risked their lives for our freedom. That young man was right -- we do appreciate the service of those who wear our uniform.

To help Americans show our appreciation to those who have served, Secretary Nicholson has asked all our nation's veterans to wear their medals today. I urge our citizens to go up to those men and women and shake a hand and give a hug, and give a word of thanks. I ask you to consider volunteering at a veterans hospital or a nursing home. I encourage you to work with your local veterans group to help support our troops in the field _ and their families here at home.

As we raise our flag and as the bugle sounds taps, we remember that the men and women of America's Armed Forces serve a great cause. They follow in a great tradition, handed down to them by America's veterans. And in public ceremonies and in private prayer, we give thanks for the freedom we enjoy because of their willingness to serve.

I thank you for honoring those who serve today, and for honoring those who have set such a sterling example -- our nation's veterans. May God bless our veterans, may God bless all who wear the uniform, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

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HOORAY for all of our veterans! Thank you for everything. You people are the BEST!