Happy Veterans Day

The above copyrighted graphic was designed by the DESA webmaster.

On Veterans Day, America Honors Our Nation’s Men And Women In Uniform And Their Families Who Have Sacrificed For Our Nation. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have protected our country and liberated millions of people around the world from tyranny and terror.

With Heartfelt Appreciation
To All DE, DER, APD and FF Sailors

A Message From The Webmaster

I could never let a Veterans Day pass without taking the opportunity to extend a personal message to each DESA veteran. I am honored to serve as your webmaster and and priviledged to know you.

Your sacrifice, courage and dedication to duty is remembered every day, but especially today. You served our country in a time of turmoil and crisis and because of you I live in freedom.

President Franklin Roosevelt described you as the "pride of our Nation," who struggled to preserve our civilization. "Pride of our Nation" and "The Greatest Generation" are descriptions that could never be mistaken as describing anyone but you.

You set a standard for Naval service that is unmatched and continue to be an inspiration to the men and women who wear the blue uniform today. You can probably never fully realize your tremendous impact and the level of respect felt for you.

May you remember today your shipmates and how, together, you freed and brought peace to other nations.

I ask for God's blessings upon each of you and wish for you a very happy Veterans Day.

Pat

National Veterans Awareness Week

109th Congress
1st Session

Senate Resolution 155

Designating the week of November 6 through November 12, 2005, as ‘‘National Veterans Awareness Week'' to emphasize the need to develop educational programs regarding the contributions of veterans to the country.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
M AY 25, 2005

Mr. B IDEN (for himself, Mr. ALLARD, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. BAUCUS, Mr. BOND,
Mr. CHAMBLISS, Mr. COBURN, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. CRAPO, Mrs. DOLE,
Mr. FEINGOLD, Mr. GREGG, Mr. HAGEL, Mr. INHOFE, Mr. ISAKSON,
Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. LAUTENBERG, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. THOMAS, Mr. DE W INE,
Mr. SPECTER, Mr. BINGAMAN, Mr. SALAZAR, Ms. CANTWELL, Mr. CARPER,
Mr. DORGAN, Mrs. LINCOLN, Mr. CORZINE, Mrs. BOXER, Ms. MIKULSKI,
Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. NELSON of Florida, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. SARBANES,
Ms. SNOWE, Mr. JOHNSON, Mr. CONRAD, Mr. BUNNING, Mrs. CLINTON,
Mr. DAYTON, Ms. LANDRIEU, Mr. NELSON of Nebraska, Ms. MURKOWSKI,
Mr. KERRY, Mr. SUNUNU, and Mr. VITTER ) submitted the following resolution;
which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

JUNE 28, 2005
Committee discharged; considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Whereas tens of millions of Americans have served in the Armed Forces of the United States during the past century;

Whereas hundreds of thousands of Americans have given their lives while serving in the Armed Forces during the past century;

Whereas the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by the people of the United States;

Whereas the advent of the all-volunteer Armed Forces has resulted in a sharp decline in the number of individuals and families who have had any personal connection with the Armed Forces;

Whereas this reduction in familiarity with the Armed Forces has resulted in a marked decrease in the awareness by young people of the nature and importance of the accomplishments of those who have served in the Armed Forces, despite the current educational efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the veterans service organizations;

Whereas the system of civilian control of the Armed Forces makes it essential that the future leaders of the Nation understand the history of military action and the contributions and sacrifices of those who conduct such actions; and

Whereas, on November 9, 2004, President George W. Bush issued a proclamation urging all the people of the United States to observe November 7 through November 13, 2004, as ‘‘National Veterans Awareness Week'': Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate --

(1) designates the week of November 6 through November 12, 2005, as ‘‘National Veterans Awareness Week''; and

(2) encourages the people of the United States to observe the week with appropriate educational activities.

2005 Veterans Day Events

Arlington National Cemetery - A patriotic ceremony honoring America’s military members is scheduled for November 11 at 11 a.m. in Arlington National Cemetery. A wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Tomb of the Unknowns, followed by a ceremony in the Memorial Amphitheater. The event will commence with a prelude concert by the U.S. Air Force Band at 10:30 a.m. inside the amphitheater.

This year’s event will be hosted by the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs; Thomas Bock, National Commander of the American Legion; & Maj. Gen. Guy C. Swan III, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and the Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region.

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.

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.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial - Annual Veterans Day Observance at The Wall – 1 p.m., Washington, D.C.
View the live webcast at www.USVets.tv and archived on www.TVWorldwide.com .

This year's Nation's Parade for the 60th Anniversary of the end of WWII continues a proud New York City tradition that includes the WWII 50th Anniversary (1995) and the Korean War 50th Anniversary (2000-2003). Friday, November 11, 11:00 AM - 3:00 p.m.

A Post-Parade Veterans Day Fair will be held at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Click here for more information.

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?

President's Veterans Day Proclamation
Veterans Day, 2005

November 2, 2005

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

President Honors America's Veterans
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Virginia

[Will be posted after the ceremony]

Courtesy of the White House website

Links

Department of Defense - Veterans Days

Veterans Day Events in Washington, DC

History of Veterans Day

Veterans Presidential Certificates

Print A Veterans Day Poster

The Veterans of Foreign Wars

The American Legion

Vietnam Veterans of American

Back To The DE Veterans Tribute Page