Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 103 Part 3.djvu/1052

 103 STAT. 3120 PROCLAMATION 6038—OCT. 5, 1989 States and to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activi- ties. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of October, in the year of om- Lord nineteen huidred and eighty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two htindred and fourteenth. . ,. GEORGE BUSH Editorial note: For the President's remarks of Oct. 5, 1989, on signing Proclamation 6037, see the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents (vol. 25, p. 1505). Proclamation 6038 of October 5, 1989 Veterans Day, 1989 •'' By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Each year, on November 11, we Americans pause to express otu* re- spect and gratitude for the miliions of men and women who have served our Nation as members of the United States Armed Forces. On that day, 71 years ago, the Armistice marking the end of World War I was signed. It is fitting that we choose the anniversary of "Armistice Day"—a day dedicated to peace—to honor those who have helped keep our Nation strong and our freedom secure. America's veterans have been steadfast guardians of peace and liberty not only here at home, but also arotmd the world. The selflessness and valor of the 2,000,000 American servicemen who fought in Europe during World War I were essential in bringing that bitter conflict to a conclusion in 1918. In the Argonne Forest, Belleau Wood, Chateau-Thierry, and in other less celebrated but no less deci- sive confrontations on land and sea, American "Doughboys," Marines, and sailors demonstrated extraordinary courage and skill. The anniver- sary of the signing of the Armistice for "The War to End All Wars" shall always remind us of their heroic efforts and unfailing patriotism. Only 23 years after the signing of the Armistice, members of the United States Armed Forces were called again to the battle-scarred fields of Eiu'ope. Diuing the Second World War, American military personnel fought—and helped defeat—the tyrannical forces of Nazi Germany and its allies. Many other World War II veterans made their stand for free- dom in the Pacific and in North Africa. Thousands of American service men and women later retmned to East Asia and the Pacific during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Each American veteran is a source of strength and pride for our cotm- try. As members of the Armed Forces, these courageous individuals not only protected the national security interests of the United States, but also upheld the principles upon which this great Nation was built. Americans—and millions of people around the world as well—enjoy the blessings of freedom, peace, and representative government be- cause our veterans were willing to risk their lives for them. We are for- ever grateful to these selfless individuals, especially those who have given "the last full measure of devotion" for our well-being.

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