For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 9, 2001
National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week Proclamation
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Our National Guard and Reserve forces play a vital role in helping
America respond when our interests are threatened around the
world. They are an indispensable part of our Nation's
efforts to promote democracy, peace, and freedom, and, in the wake of
the September 11 attacks, National Guard and Reserve units are
deploying to help fight and win the war against terrorism.
Americans understand and appreciate the importance of our National
Guard and Reserve forces, but many do not know the contributions their
employers make in supporting these civilian
soldiers. Employers share their greatest resource, their
people; and, in so doing, they subordinate their own interests for the
good of our country. Employers' willingness to sacrifice
and bear the inevitable financial hardships and organizational
disruptions that result are important contributions to our Nation's
war against terrorism. By placing America's well-being above
their own, they help our National Guard and Reserve units provide
mission-ready forces to help preserve our freedoms and protect our
national interests.
Because this generosity enables Guard and Reserve troops to play an
essential role in responding to the terrorist attacks, it is
appropriate to honor the sacrifice American businesses are making in
releasing their employees for military service. We express
our heartfelt appreciation to these patriots for the burden they bear
as their workers depart to serve our Nation and help keep America
strong, secure, and free.
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 the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim the week
beginning November 11, 2001, 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 ninth day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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