IV 

113TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 395 

Recognizing Birmingham, Alabama, as home to the first and longest-running 

celebration of Veterans Day and home of the National Veteran Award. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

OCTOBER 30, 2013 

Mr. BACHUS (for himself and Ms. SEWELL of Alabama) submitted the following 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 

RESOLUTION 

Recognizing Birmingham, Alabama, as home to the first 

and longest-running celebration of Veterans Day and 

home of the National Veteran Award. 

Whereas November 11, 2013, is the 66th anniversary of National Veterans Day in Birmingham, Alabama; 

Whereas 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 ‘‘National Veterans Day 1947’’ to 


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•HRES 395 IH 

honor veterans of all wars fought by the United States, 

replacing Armistice Day; 

Whereas the first celebration was held in Birmingham by the 

National Veterans Day organization in 1947 and included a World Peace Dinner keynoted by General Omar 

Bradley, a memorial service, and a parade, among other 

events; 

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 organization, 

started by Raymond Weeks, expanded to include an annual presentation of the National Veteran Award in Birmingham; 

Whereas the 60th National Veteran Award in 2013 honors 

the Tuskegee Airmen, heroes of flight in World War II; 

Whereas the National Veteran Award reception and banquet, 

memorial service, World Peace Luncheon, and parade 

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 the Presidential Citizens Medal on November 

11, 1982, at the White House; 

Whereas Raymond Weeks should be remembered for his 40 

years of loyal service to create a national commemoration 

to honor the great men and women who have served the 

United States; and 


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•HRES 395 IH 

Whereas Birmingham, Alabama, should be recognized for its 

contributions to the institution of National Veterans Day, 

the National Veteran Award, and the World Peace 

Luncheon: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) recognizes Birmingham, Alabama, as home 

3 to the first and longest-running national celebration 

4 of Veterans Day; 

5 (2) recognizes Raymond Weeks for his 40 years 

6 of patriotic and pioneering efforts establishing Vet7 erans Day and the National Veteran Award; 

8 (3) congratulates the Tuskegee Airmen for re9 ceiving the National Veteran Award; 

10 (4) honors the veterans of the United States 

11 and their families for providing freedom of life and 

12 liberty; and 

13 (5) pays tribute to the men and women of the 

14 United States in uniform who risk life and limb at 

15 home and overseas. 

Æ 


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