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 fol-
lowing 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 
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 Na-
tional Veterans Day in Birmingham, Alabama; 
Whereas National Veterans Day in Birmingham is the long-
est-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 ‘‘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 in-
cluded 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 an-
nual presentation of the National Veteran Award in Bir-
mingham; 
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 
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 Vet-
erans Day and the National Veteran Award; 
(3) congratulates the Tuskegee Airmen for re-
ceiving 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. 
Æ 
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