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[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 138 Introduced in House (IH)]

112th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 138

 Recognizing Birmingham, Alabama, as the home to the first and longest 
                  running celebration of Veterans Day.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           September 20, 2012

    Mr. Bachus (for himself and Ms. Sewell) submitted the following 
concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
  Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a 
 period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for 
consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the 
                          committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 
 Recognizing Birmingham, Alabama, as the home to the first and longest 
                  running celebration of Veterans Day.

Whereas November 11, 2012, is the 65th anniversary of National Veterans Day in 
        Birmingham, Alabama;
Whereas the National Veterans Day in Birmingham is the longest running 
        celebration of Veterans Day in the United States;
Whereas, on November 11, 1946, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks presented 
        General Eisenhower a program design proposing replacing Armistice Day 
        with a National Veterans Day 1947;
Whereas the very first Veterans Day celebration was held in Birmingham by the 
        National Veterans Day organization in 1947;
Whereas President Eisenhower signed into law on June 1, 1954 the Act proclaiming 
        November 11 as Veterans Day (Public Law 83-380);
Whereas, in 1954, the National Veterans Day volunteer organization, started by 
        Raymond Weeks, expanded to organize a multiday celebration including, a 
        Veterans Day Parade, a World Peace Luncheon, and presentation during the 
        National Veterans Award Dinner of the National Veterans Award;
Whereas these three events have been held every year since 1954;
Whereas the briefing for President Reagan by Elizabeth Dole for the Presidential 
        Citizens Medals cited Raymond Weeks as the ``Father of Veterans Day'';
Whereas President Reagan recognized Raymond Weeks as the driving force behind 
        Veterans Day while presenting Mr. Weeks with the Presidential Citizens 
        Medal on November 11, 1982;
Whereas Raymond Weeks should be recognized for his push to honor the great men 
        and women who have served their country with a special day of 
        recognition; and
Whereas Birmingham, Alabama, should be recognized for its contributions to the 
        institution of Veterans Day: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That Congress hereby--
            (1) recognizes Birmingham, Alabama, as the home to the 
        first and longest running celebration of Veterans Day;
            (2) recognizes Raymond Weeks for his pioneering efforts in 
        the establishment of Veterans Day; and
            (3) honors the sacrifices and pays tribute to the men and 
        women in uniform who are risking life and limb at home and 
        overseas.
                                 <all>
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