From the earliest days of our Republic, when citizen soldiers rebelled against the tyranny of a foreign monarch, to the Nation’s most recent military conflict, when America’s armed forces led the battle to remove a despot in Iraq, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and the members of the Coast Guard have always answered the clarion call to defend liberty and preserve democracy. Our military men and women are true American heroes and heroines.

On October 8, 1954, President Eisenhower signed a Proclamation declaring that November 11, Armistice Day (the anniversary of the ending of World War I), should henceforth be called Veterans Day. He asked his fellow citizens to “solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom.” He requested that “a grateful nation” pay “appropriate homage” to all veterans.

More than a million members of the armed forces have died in service to America, and more than a million and a half have been wounded. Nearly 48 million veterans have served this Nation. The “greatest generation” of World War II returned to a hero’s welcome, and those who fought in Desert Storm had a victory celebration. But there were other groups of veterans who were never formally thanked and honored for their service. About 37,000 members of the armed forces died in the Korean War, and over 58,000 died in the Vietnam War.

We now have a unique opportunity to honor all veterans. By declaring 2004 as “The Year of the Veteran,” and devoting the year to a series of special commemorations and events on behalf of our veterans, we can reaffirm our commitment to those who have served this great nation in times of peace, as well as times of war.

The Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment and Training Service and The Department of Veterans Affairs have been working in concert to spread the word among America’s employers that veterans are an unmatched employment resource, a veritable wellspring of skilled and talented people. By fully harnessing the bountiful skills, leadership talents and entrepreneurial energy of veterans, we can strengthen our economy and enrich our nation as we meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
All Americans should not only realize the sacrifice that veterans have made, but should also appreciate the valuable contributions that veterans can still provide.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ______ day of __________, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.