For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 8, 2002
National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Our National Guard and Reserve units comprise 38 percent of America's
military forces, and we are grateful for the commitment of these brave
men and women. During National Employer Support of the Guard and
Reserve Week, we pay tribute to those serving our Nation in the
National Guard and Reserve, and to the civilian employers whose
continued support enables our Reserve component soldiers, sailors,
airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen to defend our country with honor
and distinction.
Through their service, National Guard and Reserve personnel play an
important role in our efforts to advance democracy, peace, and freedom
across our Nation and around the world. These dedicated men and women
train vigorously and work closely with our active-duty forces, serving
as equal partners in our integrated Armed Forces. As our need for
their efforts expands, these citizen-soldiers will spend more time away
from their families, homes, and workplaces protecting our Nation and
the ideals that make us strong.
As we face new challenges and welcome new opportunities, the
continued support of patriotic employers remains vital to the success
of our National Guard and Reserve. Our volunteer National Guardsmen
and Reservists rely on their employers for essential support and
encouragement that often come at the employer's expense. These
employers reflect the spirit of our Nation, and during this week I join
with members of our Armed Forces and all our citizens in recognizing
those who serve in our National Guard and Reserve and all who support
them, and all Americans whose contributions and sacrifices help our
military remain the finest fighting force in the world.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 10 through
November 16, 2002, as National Employer Support of the Guard and
Reserve Week. I encourage all Americans to join me in expressing our
heartfelt thanks to the civilian employers of the members of our
National Guard and Reserve for their extraordinary sacrifices on behalf
of our Nation. I also call upon State and local officials, private
organizations, businesses, and all military commanders to observe this
week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
# # #
|