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60th Anniversary of the Integration of the United States Armed Forces
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For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary July 23, 2008

60th Anniversary of the Integration of the United States Armed Forces A
Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

ÿÿWhite House News


The United States is founded upon the belief that every person has
unalienable rights and matchless value. Throughout our Nation's history,
brave patriots have made great sacrifices to protect this ideal and to
advance the cause of freedom around the world. On the 60th anniversary of
the integration of the United States Armed Forces, we pay tribute to all
our service members and veterans, and we underscore our Nation's commitment
to equality.

On July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981,
declaring "that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for
all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion
or national origin." Today, members of our Armed Forces come from many
different backgrounds and cultures and are answering the call to service
with bravery, decency, and resolve.

Our Nation has long drawn strength from the diversity of its citizens.
Groups such as the Buffalo Soldiers, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the
Tuskegee Airmen, and the "Borinqueneers" risked their lives while proudly
wearing the uniform of the United States. By performing their missions with
integrity and honor, they highlighted the power of liberty, helped open the
door of opportunity, and earned the respect and admiration of a grateful
Nation.

On this anniversary, we celebrate the legacy of those who refused to allow
adversity to diminish their spirit or extinguish their drive to help
America live up to its promise of equality for all people. We also
commemorate our veterans and service members whose noble and selfless
actions have inspired generations of men and women to follow in their
footsteps and made our country a more hopeful place.

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 July 26, 2008, as the 60th
Anniversary of the Integration of the United States Armed Forces and urge
all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies,
and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of
July, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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