[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 45 (Monday, November 12, 2001)]
[Pages 1624-1625]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7494--National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve 
Week, 2001

 November 9, 2001

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Our National Guard and Reserve forces play a vital role in helping 
America respond when our interests are threatened around the world. They 
are an indispensable part of our Nation's efforts to promote democracy, 
peace, and freedom, and, in the wake of the September 11 attacks, 
National Guard and Reserve units are deploying to help fight and win the 
war against terrorism.
    Americans understand and appreciate the importance of our National 
Guard and Reserve forces, but many do not know the contributions their 
employers make in supporting these civilian soldiers. Employers share 
their greatest resource, their people; and, in so doing, they 
subordinate their own interests for the good of our country. Employers' 
willingness to sacrifice and bear the inevitable financial hardships and 
organizational disruptions that result are important contributions to 
our Nation's war against terrorism. By placing America's well-being 
above their own, they help our National Guard and Reserve units provide 
mission-

[[Page 1625]]

ready forces to help preserve our freedoms and protect our national 
interests.
    Because this generosity enables Guard and Reserve troops to play an 
essential role in responding to the terrorist attacks, it is appropriate 
to honor the sacrifice American businesses are making in releasing their 
employees for military service. We express our heartfelt appreciation to 
these patriots for the burden they bear as their workers depart to serve 
our Nation and help keep America strong, secure, and free.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim the week beginning 
November 11, 2001, as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve 
Week. I encourage all Americans to join me in expressing our heartfelt 
thanks to the civilian employers of the members of our National Guard 
and Reserve for their extraordinary sacrifices on behalf of our Nation. 
I also call upon State and local officials, private organizations, 
businesses, and all military commanders to observe this week with 
appropriate ceremonies and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of 
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., November 14, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
November 15.