National Adoption Month, 2005

National Adoption Month, 2005, A Proclamation by the President the of United States of America
All children deserve strong families with mothers and fathers who are there to protect and love them. Every year, thousands of Americans extend the gift of family to a child through adoption. During National Adoption Month, we recognize the compassion of adoptive and foster families and renew our pledge to finding loving and stable homes for children in need.

Many of our citizens have revealed the good heart of America by opening their homes to children through adoption. We are grateful to every family who provides a safe, nurturing environment for their adopted children. Last year, an estimated 51,000 children were adopted from our Nation's foster care system, and tens of thousands more were adopted through private agencies and from overseas. Today, more than 118,000 children remain in foster care in the United States awaiting adoption. On November 19, National Adoption Day, thousands of these children will celebrate the finalization of their adoptions and go to their new homes, secure in the love of families they can now call their own.

My Administration remains committed to encouraging adoption. This year, 24 States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico were recognized through our Adoption Incentives Program for their efforts to enhance their adoption and child welfare programs. These efforts have contributed to an increase in adoptions from 28,000 per year in 1996 to an estimated 51,000 in 2004. In addition, the AdoptUSKids initiative, which includes public service announcements in English and Spanish and a website, www.AdoptUSKids.org, has helped place more than 5,000 children in permanent homes over the last 3 years.

As we observe National Adoption Month, we recognize the many caring families who have made a difference in a child's life through adoption. By giving these children the love, guidance, and support they need to grow, adoptive and foster families play a vital role in helping the next generation of Americans achieve their dreams.

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 November 2005 as National Adoption Month. I call on all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities to honor adoptive families and to participate in efforts to find permanent homes for waiting children.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # # For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, November 2, 2005

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Veterans Day, 2005

Veterans Day, 2005, A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Americans owe a great debt of gratitude to those who have sacrificed for our liberty and for the security of our Nation. We express deep appreciation to our veterans -- the men and women who stepped forward when America needed them, triumphed over brutal enemies, liberated continents, and answered the prayers of millions around the globe.

From the beaches of Normandy and the snows of Korea to the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq, our courageous veterans have sacrificed so that Americans and others could live in freedom. As we mark the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II this year, we remember the millions of veterans who crossed oceans and defeated two of the most ruthless military forces the world has ever known. The freedom that the children and grandchildren of these veterans now enjoy is a monument to their fallen comrades and the generations of patriots who have served our country.

Through their commitment to freedom, America's veterans have lifted millions of lives and made our country and the world more secure. They have demonstrated to us that freedom is the mightiest force on Earth. We resolve that their sacrifices will always be remembered by a grateful Nation.

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, 2005, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 6 through November 12, 2005, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I urge 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 encourage 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 second day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # # For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, November 2, 2005

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