Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 118.djvu/4212

 118 STAT. 4182 PROCLAMATION 7819—SEPT. 21, 2004 Proclamation 7819 of September 21, 2004 National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, 2004 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Throughout our history, the members of the National Guard and Re- serve have served our country with honor. Our Nation depends on the dedication of these citizen-soldiers, and our Guardsmen and Reservists rely on the support of their civilian employers to allow them to fulfill their service obligations. During National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, we honor the sacrifice of these brave men and women, and we express our gratitude for the commitment of their employers. As we fight terror and advance freedom, members of the National Guard and Reserve are making vital contributions around the world as fully integrated components of our Nation’s Armed Forces. At home, they are called on to protect our communities, preserve order, and pro- vide assistance in times of natural disaster, balancing the demands of their families, civilian careers, and military commitments. These Guardsmen and Reservists are indispensable to our Nation’s efforts to promote democracy, peace, and freedom around the world, and we sa- lute their selfless service. Employers also play a critical role in our Nation’s defense, dem- onstrating their patriotism by supporting the training and mobilization of these brave individuals. Across America, business owners, school personnel, hospital administrators, and many others put our country’s safety and security first when they provide time off, pay, health care benefits, and job security to their Guard and Reserve employees. These sacrifices help strengthen our country and allow our men and women in uniform to focus on the missions at hand. The generosity and public spirit of these employers have earned them the appreciation of our Na- tion. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 26 through October 2, 2004, as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week. I encourage all Americans to join me in ex- pressing our thanks to the civilian employers and the members of our National Guard and Reserve for their patriotism and sacrifices on be- half of our Nation. I also call upon State and local officials, private or- ganizations, businesses, and all military commanders to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth. GEORGE W. BUSH VerDate 11-MAY-2000 15:04 Nov 10, 2005 Jkt 029194 PO 00000 Frm 00148 Fmt 8087 Sfmt 8087 C:\STATUTES\2004\29194PT4.004 APPS10 PsN: 29194PT4

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