IV 
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 concur-
rent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Af-
fairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period 
to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consider-
ation 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 Na-
tional 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 Ray-
mond Weeks presented General Eisenhower a program 
design proposing replacing Armistice Day with a Na-
tional Veterans Day 1947; 
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•HCON 138 IH 
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 orga-
nization, started by Raymond Weeks, expanded to orga-
nize a multiday celebration including, a Veterans Day 
Parade, a World Peace Luncheon, and presentation dur-
ing 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 No-
vember 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— 
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•HCON 138 IH 
(1) recognizes Birmingham, Alabama, as the 
home to the first and longest running celebration of 
Veterans Day; 
(2) recognizes Raymond Weeks for his pio-
neering 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. 
Æ 
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