November 10, 2006
Washington, DC, Office, The KWVA

Two very important days for the Korean War Veterans Association and all veterans are being observed. Today is the 231st birthday of our proud valiant comrades in the wars and comrades in membership in the KWVA, the United States Marine Corps; tomorrow, November 11, is the observance of Veterans Day.

Our Nation and this organization have been extremely fortunate in having Marines alongside—today 25% of our Board of Directors are Marines, Lee Dauster, Marvin Dunn, and Warren Wiedhahn.  Art Sharpe, Editor of The Graybeards is likewise a Leatherneck.

Possibly one of the most memorable speakers ever to address a KWVA Reunion/Convention was General Mike Hagee, the Commandant of Marines, Patriot, Marine, and Texan, which is how I introduced him in San Antonio. General Hagee’s greetings follow this message.  Happy Birthday, Marines, good health, long life, and Semper Fidelis!

Veterans Day honors those who served. The poster and theme for the day—falling once more while we are at war—is: To be a veteran one must know and determine one’s price for freedom. Even though it is somewhat lengthy, I believe it is appropriate for November 11, 2006.

The price of freedom, for example, cost Lee Dauster a leg in KOREA and Marvin Dunn a leg and an eye (Lee and Marvin were patients at the same hospital for long months after being returned to the States).  Warren Wiedhahn was wounded and Bill Weber left an arm and a leg over there. Many others suffered just as grievously—some with inner wounds that have never been treated.

Today, around the world—including along the DMZ of “our war”—young men and women are knowing and determining their own personal price for freedom. Our friend and former National Secretary Don Duquette received a call this week from his grandson in IRAQ: He was shot by a sniper while his crew was on patrol in Baghdad. Spencer was manning the 50 caliber machine gun on the Humvee. He was hit in the hand, neck and nose. The shell went thru his hand hit the gun turret and parts of the shell hit his neck and nose He was taken to a hospital by helicopter and says he is OK. He said he and the other three Humvees in his patrol returned fire but the enemy snipers had more gunmen with them. It turned into quite a fire fight. His lieutenant called for attack choppers and they made toast of the insurgents... He told me he wants to get back to his crew as soon as possible.

Don was an outstanding combat photographer in KOREA (the famed 25th Division)—he determined and paid the price of being a veteran. The majority of today’s veterans paid the price in landing craft and ships, bombers and fighters, in WWII, Mickey Mouse boots or shoepacks in KOREA, riding in helicopters in VIETNAM, mechanized carriers and Abrams tanks in DESERT STORM, and in Humvees, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and Abrams tanks in IRAQ and AFGHANISTAN today. Over 300,000 have served in IRAQ and AFGHANISTAN thus far and numerous thousands more are preparing and will serve in those places or others in days to come, IF WE WOULD REMAIN FREE.

Director Jeff Brodeur’s son proudly contracted to join the 82d Airborne and entered airborne training at Fort Benning this week, destination IRAQ and AFGHANISTAN.  Yesterday morning at 0400hours I passed the 4th Brigade of the 82d loading out on civilian air charters, in the dark, for AFGHANISTAN after completing two tough weeks of final mission rehearsal at Fort Polk, Louisiana.  Most of these men and women were in IRAQ less than a year ago.

Soldiering goes on and a new generation becomes veterans in new ways, but the way of the warrior veteran never changes: one must know and determine one’s price for freedom.  God bless and keep our young men and women—and our older veterans; and God bless America! The Commander-in-Chief’s proclamation follows General Hagee’s greetings.


National President, KWVA/US
Chairman of the Board

Veterans Day Proclamation
October 31, 2006

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Through the generations, America's men and women in uniform have defeated tyrants, liberated continents, and set a standard of courage and idealism for the entire world. On Veterans Day, our Nation pays tribute to those who have proudly served in our Armed Forces.

To protect the Nation they love, our veterans stepped forward when America needed them most. In conflicts around the world, their sacrifice and resolve helped destroy the enemies of freedom and saved millions from oppression. In answering history's call with honor, decency, and resolve, our veterans have shown the power of liberty and earned the respect and admiration of a grateful Nation.

All of America's veterans have placed our Nation's security before their own lives, creating a debt that we can never fully repay. Our veterans represent the best of America, and they deserve the best America can give them.

As we recall the service of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, we are reminded that the defense of freedom comes with great loss and sacrifice. This Veterans Day, we give thanks to those who have served freedom's cause; we salute the members of our Armed Forces who are confronting our adversaries abroad; and we honor the men and women who left America's shores but did not live to be thanked as veterans. They will always be remembered by our country.

With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service men and women have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2006, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 5 through November 11, 2006, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.

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

GEORGE W. BUSH