For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 14, 2003
Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies
SUBJECT: Return of Activated Military Members to Federal Civilian Employment
As we welcome home returning Federal civil servants who were called
to active duty in the continuing Global War on Terrorism, we recognize
the contributions they have made in the defense of freedom. Whether
they served with the Reserve Forces or the Air and Army National Guard,
each of them has my personal gratitude and the respect and admiration
of a grateful Nation.
The Federal Government will continue to be the model for employer
support to the Guard and Reserve. We are the guarantors of the rights
of returning service members under the Uniformed Services Employment
and Reemployment Rights Act, and I am personally committed to providing
each of them with our full support, recognition, and assistance.
Accordingly, I hereby direct you to grant Federal employees under your
authority who are returning from active duty 5 days of uncharged leave
from their civilian duties, consistent with the provisions of Federal
law.
We also are grateful for the extra efforts of the many Federal
civilian employees who, in the absence of their fellow activated
workers, have contributed to the War on Terror, and I urge you to
recognize these Federal employees by appropriate means.
GEORGE W. BUSH
# # #
|