Proclaim November 11, 2024 to be Veterans Day
Whereas, an Act, approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November of each year a legal holiday and was known as "Armistice Day;" and
Whereas, in 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd Congress amended the Act by replacing "Armistice" with "Veterans," and the first Veterans Day Proclamation was issued on October 8th by Dwight D. Eisenhower to pay homage to all veterans, who have contributed to the preservation of this great nation; and
Whereas, Veterans Day is a time for our entire community to come together in solidarity to express our profound gratitude for the bravery, courage, and dedication of our veterans, whose service has safeguarded our freedoms and enriched our shared way of life; and
Whereas, the City of Portland recognizes that our strength lies in the unity and diversity of our community and honors the immeasurable contributions and sacrifices made by the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces; and
Whereas, the brave members of our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, and National Guard exemplify steadfast and selfless commitment while risking their lives to ensure our freedom; and
Whereas, wounded and suffering military members and veterans who return home honor us with their dignity, courage, and valor; and
Whereas, veterans deserve the utmost respect and support, which they have earned, while defending our homeland; and
Whereas, we admire and support the families and loved ones of those who have served and currently serve, and the immense burdens they bear; and
Whereas, the City of Portland is committed to fostering a supportive environment for our veterans and their families, who make up almost 7% of the City workforce, ensuring they feel valued, respected, and integrated within our community fabric; and
Whereas, we are continually grateful for the freedoms we enjoy in Portland and across the United States, thanks to the service and sacrifices of our warriors; and
Whereas, the Veterans Day Parade will take place on November 11th, 2024, starting at 10:00 AM from Beech Street & Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Killingsworth Street, serving as a unifying event that brings together citizens of all ages in honor of our veterans; and
Whereas, we encourage all citizens to participate in ceremonies and activities that honor our veterans, to reach out in gratitude to those who have served, and to strengthen the bonds that unite us all.
Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim November 11, 2024 to be
Veterans Day
in Portland and encourage all residents to honor those who have served and those who currently serve to preserve our values of justice, freedom, and democracy.