Proc. 8055 Title 3--The President Proclamation 8055 of September 21, 2006 National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, 2006 By the President of the United States o/America A Proclamation In times of war or crisis, the citizen-soldiers of our National Guard and Re- serve are ready and willing to answer the call of duty. During National Em- ployer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, we express our deep grati- tude to these brave men and women and to the employers who support them and enable them to serve. Members of the National Guard and Reserve put on the uniform of the United States when our country needs them most. In the war on terror, thousands of these civilians from all walks of life have been called away from their labs and families and mobilized for duty around the world. They are performing many different missions, but all are working to deliver the blessings of freedom to people who have not known liberty. Here at home, the National Guard is working to protect our borders, and National Guard personnel and Reservists help rebuild communities and bring comfort, security, and healing to individuals in the aftermath of hur- ricanes and other natural disasters. The dedicated service of our National Guard and Reserve personnel is vital to the security of our Nation, and these patriots are an inspiration and source of pride to all Americans. We also appreciate the commitment of the civilian employers of these cou- rageous men and women. By providing time off, pay, health care benefits, and lab security, these employers help members of the National Guard and Reserve and their families serve our country and prepare for their return to civilian life. In offices, schools, factories, and small businesses across America, employers operate without some of their most talented people, and America appreciates their support and the support they provide to their employees in our National Guard and Reserve. National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week is an important opportunity to express our cauntry's debt of gratitude to the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve and to all the employers who stand behind these dedicated individuals. 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 September 24 through Sep- tember 30, 2006, as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week. I encourage all Americans to lain me in expressing our thanks to members of our National Guard and Reserve and their civilian employers for their patriotic sacrifice on behalf of our Nation. I also call upon State and local officials, private organizations, businesses, and all military com- manders to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. 134
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