Only two of the many Veterans Day events to be held around the country.
Veterans Day At The Navy Memorial - 1:00 p.m., Nov. 11 --U.S. Navy
Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. A wreath will be laid at the Lone
Sailor Statue in commemoration of Veterans Day. The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band,
Ceremonial Guard and Color Guard will participate in the public ceremony. For further
information call 202-737-2300.
Veterans Day At The Coast Guard Monument - Wreath laying ceremony at the Coast Guard Monument in Arlington National Cemetery, section 4, from 12:30 - 1:30
p.m. For more information call 202- 267-1587.
Who Do We Celebrate Today?
26.4 million
The number of military veterans in the United States; this is a ratio of about 1-in-8 (or 13 percent) of U.S. civilians 18 and over.
1.6 million
The number of veterans who are women.
9.7 million
The number of veterans who are age 65 or over.
57.4
Median age of the nation's veterans.
2.6 million
The number of black veterans. Additionally, 1.1 million are Hispanic, 284,000 are Asian and 196,000
are American Indian or Alaska native. Vietnam-era veterans account for the largest share of all veterans, about 3-in-10. The next largest share, about 2-in-10, served during World
War II.
Where Do They Live?
7
Number of states with 1 million or more veterans. These states include California (2.6 million), Florida (1.9 million), Texas (1.8 million), New York (1.4 million), Pennsylvania (1.3
million), Ohio (1.1 million) and Illinois (1.0 million).
17
Percentage of Alaska civilians 18 and over who are veterans, the highest rate in the country. Veterans account for about 16 percent of the adult population in Montana, Nevada, Wyoming and
Maine.
27
Percentage of Hampton, Va., adult civilian residents who are military veterans. Hampton, near the
country's largest naval station at Norfolk, has the highest concentration of veterans of any place with 100,000 or more residents. Clarksville, Tenn. (near Fort Campbell, Ky.), and
Fayetteville, N.C. (home of Fort Bragg), followed closely.
The highest concentrations of Korean War and World War II veterans tend to be in retirement areas of Florida, Arizona or California, as well as other places with warm climates.
Poverty
5.6
The poverty rate for veterans, much lower than the 10.9 percent of the adult population in general in poverty.
Disabilities
Almost 3-in-10 veterans have disabilities.
$18.5 billion
Aggregate amount of money received annually by the 2.4 million veterans receiving compensation for service-connected disabilities.
Information from the www.census.gov
President's Veterans Day Message
Veterans Day, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
The willingness of America's veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. On this, our Nation's 50th annual Veterans Day
observance, we celebrate and honor the patriots who have fought to protect the democratic ideals that are the foundation of our country.
When the armistice ending World War I was signed on November 11, 1918, more than 4.7 million Americans put down their arms and turned to the work of
strengthening our Nation. The end of that first global conflict was initially commemorated as Armistice Day. In 1954, the Congress renamed the day as Veterans
Day to recognize all those who have served in our Armed Forces.
Throughout our history, loyal citizens from every corner of America have willingly assumed the duty of military life. And time after time, in conflicts across
the globe, they have proven that democracy is mightier than tyranny. From World War I and World War II, to the conflicts in Korea,
Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf, to the recent battles in the war on terror, our military has built a great tradition of courageous and faithful service. Our
veterans have helped bring freedom to countries around the world. Free nations and peoples liberated by American troops are grateful for the long, distinguished
line of American veterans who have come to their aid.
Today, our veterans inspire new generations of Americans as we work to defeat terrorism and advance peace. In respect for and 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, 2003, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to
observe November 9 through November 15, 2003, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans
through appropriate ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to 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 suitable
commemorative expressions and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
President Honors America's Veterans
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Virginia
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Thank you for the warm welcome. Thank you, Secretary Principi, for doing a really fine
job to represent our nation's veterans. Members of the Cabinet, members of the Congress, members of our military, veterans, Commander Berger, representatives of veterans organizations,
and fellow Americans: Laura and I are proud to join all of you and citizens across our country as we honor the service of America's veterans.
We observe Veterans Day on an anniversary -- not of a great battle or of the beginning of a war, but of a day when war ended and our nation was again at peace. Ever since the Armistice of
November the 11th, 1918, this has been a day to remember our debt to all who have worn the uniform of the United States.
Our veterans have borne the costs of America's wars and have stood watch over America's peace. And, today, every veteran can be certain: The nation you served and the people you defended
are grateful. (Applause.)
Our nation knows this National Cemetery as the final resting place of those lost to the violence of war. Yet, most of the markers here stand over the graves of Americans who lived beyond
their years of military service. On the hills of Arlington and in the daily lives of our country, veterans have a special place. We honor them all for their service in uniform. And we
honor America's veterans for the full lives of their service they continue to lead.
Today, more than 25 million Americans wear the proud title of veteran, or retired military. Their ranks include young men and women who gave good years to our all-volunteer military and
recently returned to civilian life. Our veterans include more than 11 million men and women from the conflicts of Korea and Vietnam, who earned this nation's gratitude and respect. More
than 4 million living Americans served in World War II, under the command of Eisenhower and Bradley and Nimitz. And on Veterans Day 2003, it is still possible to thank, in person, almost
200 Americans who were in uniform when the guns of World War I went silent 85 years from today. All the men who served when Woodrow Wilson was the Commander-in-Chief are now more than 100
years old, and they can know that America is still proud of them. (Applause.)
Every veteran has his or her own story of entering military service. Many enlisted on Monday morning, December 8th, 1941, or at the beginning of other conflicts. For some, military life
began with the initiation at an academy. For others, it began with a letter from the United States government. Yet when their service is complete, veterans of every era, every background
and every branch have certain things in common. And those shared commitments and experience formed bonds that last a lifetime.
Every veteran has lived by a strict code of discipline. Every veteran understands the meaning of personal accountability and loyalty and shared sacrifice. From the moment you repeated the
oath to the day of your honorable discharge, your time belonged to America; your country came before all else. And whether you served abroad or at home, you have shared in the
responsibility of maintaining the finest fighting force in the world.
Veterans who took the oath and served in battle have known the hardships and the fears and the tragic losses of war. These memories follow them through life, and are sometimes hard to
bear. Yet our war veterans, wherever they fought, can know this: In the harshest hours of conflict, they serve just and honorable purposes.
Americans are a peaceful people, and this nation has always gone to war reluctantly, and always for a noble cause. America's war veterans have fought for the security of this nation, for
the safety of our friends, and for the peace of the world. They humbled tyrants and defended the innocent, and liberated the oppressed. And across the Earth, you will find entire nations
that once lived in fear, where men and women still tell of the day when Americans came and set them free. (Applause.)
America's mission in the world continues, and we count on the same kind of people to carry it out. Today, in assignments around the world, more than 1.4 million Americans are on active
duty, earning the title of veteran by serving in the cause of freedom. In two years and two months since our country was attacked, the men and women of our Armed Forces have engaged the
terrorist enemy on many fronts. They've confronted grave dangers to defend the safety of the American people. They have liberated two nations -- Afghanistan and Iraq -- delivering more
than 50 million people from the hands of dictators. Those who serve and fight today are adding great achievements of their own to America's history. America is grateful for their daring,
grateful for their honor, and grateful for their sacrifice. (Applause.)
On this Veterans Day, with our nation at war, Americans are deeply aware of the current military struggle and of recent sacrifice. Young Americans have died in liberating Iraq and
Afghanistan. They've died in securing freedom in those countries. The loss is terrible. It is borne especially by the families left behind. But in their hurt and in their loneliness, I
want these families to know your loved one served in a good and just cause. (Applause.) They died in distant lands to fight terror, to advance freedom and to protect America. They did not
live to be called veterans, but this nation will never forget their lives of service and all they did for us.
At this hour, many thousands are following their duty at great risk. One young man serving in Iraq recently said this: "We in the military signed up and pledged to protect this great
country of ours from enemies foreign and domestic. We're fighting," he said, "so that the next generation might never have to experience anything like September the 11th, 2001."
(Applause.)
Today and every day, the prayers of the American people are with those who wear our country's uniform. They serve a great cause and they follow a great tradition, handed down to them by
America's veterans. Our veterans from every era are the finest of citizens. We owe them the life we know today. They command the respect of the American people, and they have our lasting
gratitude.
Thank you for coming today. May God bless America, and may God bless all who defend it. (Applause.)
END 11:50 A.M. EST
Courtesy of the White House website
O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming!
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there:
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? |
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"ONE NATION UNDER GOD"
I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE
This is my right
Each day of my life
To honor my Country
In dawns early light
TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
The place of my people
Who walked on these shores
Who fought and died for
The colors she bore
AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS
For a nation of many
Who came to be free
Oppressed and all broken
Who sought liberty
ONE NATION UNDER GOD
For power and glory
His name shall remain
We shall not relinquish
His light is our flame
INDIVISIBLE
Each state born together
In power shall reign
With God's hands upon us
Our power remains
WITH LIBERTY
For it is our right
And we shall be strong
To always remember
Where Glory belongs
AND JUSTICE
No panel of judges
Can choose what we say
Our Nation's allegiance
Will not change today
FOR ALL
We watch as these people
Who brought so much pain
Now given the same rights
This Nation ordained
We will not abandon
The rights we all share
God and our Nation
The glory we wear
So wave sacred colors
Of red, white and blue
Stand in allegiance
With God next to you
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