Roundup on a Veterans Day
While I'm not a Milblogger, I am a veteran. So this is a special day for me. I just thought I'd share the results of some Veterans Day browsing with you. I have viewed tons of veterans day links and articles, I am including only items that have impressed me in some way. In no particular order:
From President Bush:
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
Statement from Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert:
R. James Nicholson, secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs
A news story about school children celebrating Veterans Day.
Some statistics from the Washington Post.
New York Jewish Times - Veterans Day Has Fresh Meaning for Iraqi Freedom Vets
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Editorial: Veterans Day / A time for reflection amid the sacrifice of war
A new Viet Nam Memorial is being dedicated today in Chicago.
A new veteran's museum in Pennsylvania.
Associated Press reminds us that there are few WW1 vets left. (If you know one, give 'em my regards and thanks)
This would be a neat project to work on.
If you've never heard of Honor Flight, check this out. By the way, if you're in a veterans day giving mood, Honor Flight could use your help.
Moment of silence for AMEX.
The Legacy Project and the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum are launching a new exhibit called "War Letters: Lost & Found". For me, this promises to be well worth the drive to DC.
Home Depot is offering discounts to veterans.
US Airways is plussing up its "Miles of Hope" program
The VFW reminds you to thank a veteran.
So does the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
So does the commander at Fort A.P. Hill.
And the Orangeburg Times and Democrat.
A neat story from the Norwich Bulletin.
More school kids doing what school kids do best.
Editorial from the Anniston Star.
I love to see kids getting involved with vets. More kids. Still more.
Sometimes the thanks goes both ways.
Tradition at the Winchester Star.
Here's a book I want for Christmas.
I've got more of these than I have time to post. So keep checking back, I'll be adding many, many more throughout the day. If you have anything to add, email me or trackback me and I'll incude it in an update.
