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[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 395 Introduced in House (IH)]

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 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
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
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes Birmingham, Alabama, as home to the first 
        and longest-running national celebration of Veterans Day;
            (2) recognizes Raymond Weeks for his 40 years of patriotic 
        and pioneering efforts establishing Veterans Day and the 
        National Veteran Award;
            (3) congratulates the Tuskegee Airmen for receiving the 
        National Veteran Award;
            (4) honors the veterans of the United States and their 
        families for providing freedom of life and liberty; and
            (5) pays tribute to the men and women of the United States 
        in uniform who risk life and limb at home and overseas.
                                 <all>
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