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White House: BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Since the birth of our Nation, American patriots have stepped forward to serve our country and defend our way of life. With honor and distinction, generations of servicemen and women have taken up arms to win our independence, preserve our Union, and secure our freedom. From the Minutemen to our Post-9/11 Generation, these heroes have put their lives on the line so that we might live in a world that is safer, freer, and more just, and we owe them a profound debt of gratitude. On Veterans Day, we salute the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who have rendered the highest service any American can offer, and we rededicate ourselves to fulfilling our commitment to all those who serve in our name.
Today, we are reminded of our solemn obligation: to serve our veterans as well as they have served us. As we continue our responsible drawdown from the war in Afghanistan and more members of our military return to civilian life, we must support their transition and make sure they have access to the resources and benefits they have earned. My Administration is working to end the tragedy of homelessness among our veterans, and we are committed to providing them with quality health care, access to education, and the tools they need to find a rewarding career. As a Nation, we must ensure that every veteran has the chance to share in the opportunity he or she has helped to defend. Those who have served in our Armed Forces have the experience, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve success as members of our civilian workforce, and it is critical that we harness their talent.
Across our country, veterans who fought to protect our democracy around the globe are strengthening it here at home. Once leaders in the Armed Forces, they are now pioneers of industry and pillars of their communities. Their character reflects our enduring American spirit, and in their example, we find inspiration and strength. This day, and every day, we pay tribute to America’s sons and daughters who have answered our country’s call. We recognize the sacrifice of those who have been part of the finest fighting force the world has ever known and the loved ones who stand beside them. We will never forget the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice and all those who have not yet returned home. As a grateful Nation, let us show our appreciation by honoring all our veterans and working to ensure the promise of America is within the reach of all who have protected it.
With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation’s veterans. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2014, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.
BARACK OBAMA
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My deepest appreciation to all of our TOD veterans (and the veterans in our individual families) … in advance of Veterans Day ~ at “the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month” ~ and always!
***
A faded photograph
A comrade’s name and address
In the bottom of an old shoebox
Wondering if the uniform would still fit
And where the medals are.
Remembering how you missed
The home-cooked meals
And Sunday night dinner at Mother’s
And now you find yourself
Missing them again.
Remembering there was no escaping
Until your “hitch” was up
The sights and sounds
Your uncertainty you would prevail
Memories that burn in the night.
You are now a Veteran
A Veteran!
Duty has become honor
You kept your country free
You kept so many free.
And every time you see the flag
You see it through misted eyes
It hits you every time
It’s part of your story
Forever, a Veteran.
****
"We’ll have your backs—just like you had ours." —President Obama. Happy Veterans Day. http://t.co/gy0APQFIy4
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Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 11, 2025Today, we salute the brave men and women who keep us safe each and every day. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. #VeteransDay -mo
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The First Lady (@FLOTUS) November 11, 2025****
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"We pause today to thank the more than 23 million surviving veterans who have so bravely and faithfully protected our freedom." -VP Biden
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Vice President Biden (@VP) November 11, 2025Veterans are honored with a wreath-laying ceremony at the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC #HonoringVets http://t.co/DaiekZtSK3
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Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) November 11, 2025National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum in Chicago.-The 10-by-40-foot sculpture, entitled Above & Beyond http://t.co/h519JY7Tj2
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Nelson (@Yardarm756DD) November 11, 2025****
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"You are the heart and soul, and the very spine of this nation." -Vice President Biden to America's veterans whitehouse.gov/live/vice-pres…
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Vice President Biden (@VP) November 11, 2025Respect and honor is due. Thank you for your service! #VeteransDay http://t.co/no0PwxrbMa
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Dudette (@Dudette9t9) November 11, 2025****
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Happy Veterans Day
Thank You For Serving Our Country And Protecting Our Freedom. http://t.co/qns0GRHsYa
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Zulu Yama Gumbo (@bromoore) November 11, 2025Happy #VeteransDay! Heartfelt thanks to all who served! 🇺🇸 http://t.co/alPD3xJ2FW
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Dudette (@Dudette9t9) November 11, 2025****
"As Jill points out, only 1% of America’s population serves in uniform, but 99% of all Americans owe that 1%." -Vice President Biden
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Vice President Biden (@VP) November 11, 2025Veterans from @gslhonorflight and @HonorFlightKC gather at the U.S. Air Force Memorial in Arlington #HonoringVets http://t.co/ZkTgpV0XUg
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Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) November 11, 2025****
White House.gov
Happy Veterans Day!
Congrats OG :)
NW, you grace us with a most remarkable Veterans Day remembrance. Thank you!!
A completely beautiful Veterans Day tribute Nerdy, you put so much work and love in to this. Thank you, you’re pure gold.
This!
Thank you so very much, Chips.
I’ll second that! Beautiful NW
Thanks, GGail.
Beautiful job, Nerdy! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
And this!
Thank you, DF.
Beautiful round-up, NW! Blessings and gratitude to all our veterans, everywhere.♥ ♥ ♥
And this! :-)
♥ ♥ ♥
Thanks, PJ.
Gorgeous post Nerdy! Thank you!
Thanks for highlighting my tweets too! :-)
Thanks, Dudette.
You’re welcome. They were great tweets. :)
:-)
Thanks for including my poem, Nerdy!
Enjoy your Veterans Day, Dudette!
Beautiful poem, JOB!
Thanks, PJ.
J’OB, you poem is so touching, thank you <3
Thanks so much, GGail. <3
Thanks for the wonderful poem, Ms. J’OB.
You’re a TOD treasure!
Well, thank you. And what a coincidence, because you’re a TOD treasure!
Off to take my Veterans Day siesta. :)
Awesome poem, j! Love it!
Thanks, D.
Liked this informative post.
:-)
This could be a photo of my daughter-in-law who served in the First Stryker Brigade in Iraq. I am proud of her service.
Grateful to her, OG! Send her a hug!
Wonder if you had to show an I.D., to get a free Starbucks coffee on Veterans Day. Just sayin’.
Veterans disenfranchised. You own that, Republicans. Not that you care.
uh huh
uh huh
This should be shouted from rooftops and blared on loudspeakers!
{{{{{{{Nerdy}}}}}}}, Thank you so much for this beautiful and moving Veterans Day post. There you go again, making be feel all verklempt. You are a treasure.
Thank you, LadyHawke.
Ladyhawke posted this on the last thread (thank you, LH), but bears repeating.
CBS, home to lying ODS sufferer Lara Logan conveniently “forgets” to disclose this:
[CBS Face the Nation Bob] “Schieffer’s brother Tom helped make George W. Bush a very rich man. Tom Schieffer and Bush were both part of the ownership group that bought the Texas Rangers baseball team in 1989, and as the team’s president Schieffer played a key role in making that investment a profitable one.(Bush invested $600,000 and earned a $25 million return just nine years later.) Bush then turned around and made Tom Schieffer the U.S. ambassador to Australia and then to Japan.”
and…
“In fact, the Face The Nation host once conceded that when it comes to Bush, ‘It’s always difficult to cover someone you know personally.’”
More on the atrocious cost to America of GWB’s disastrous 8 years as POTUS in linked article.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/veterans-shine-at-the-warrior-games/
Look real close and you’ll find yardarm. Far right, front row. 1967 deployment to South China Sea.
Thank you for sharing this. Thank you for being you!
DMI……Glad I’m still here to share.
Happy Veterans’ Day, Yardam!
TY.
Dashing! You’re awesome, yardarm. Thank you for your service. ♥ ♥ ♥
Just doing my duty. No more, no less.
Yardarm, you were like a Boss - thanks for your wonderful service! :)
Sort of. was in charge of all electronics on board.
Humbled to share this blog with you.
You and your buddies in this photo had no idea what was in store the next year for the USA.
One thing I forgot to mention on the last thread is that when you flip through the book at the Vietnam War Memorial, most of the KIA occurred from 1967-1969. Bows to you, sir, for being at the center of that maelstrom.
Implied, but not stated, is that since the majority of KIA were born post-WWII, most casualties were heartbreakingly young, having never left Sugar Mountain (reference to Neil Young song that says “you can’t be 20 on Sugar Mountain…”).
What a devastating time of my life. :(
By “next year” I was referencing the tumult and assassinations in 1968.
Chin up. No ups or downs means you’re dead!
Best Wishes on Veteran’s Day…Yard
Thanks prettyfoot.
There you are!! So cool. Have a wonderful day, Yardarm
Thanks Vicki.
I C U Sailor <3
Good eyes, eh! <3 back.
Handsome devil! ;-)
Aw shucks! :-)
Hey Sailor - bestest picture from one of the good guys - take care of you
Doin’ me best. How’s things Down Under?
good weather - lousy politics
Up here it’s lousy weather and politics.
I’m a winner!! :)
Bravo.
thank you for your service.
Just doing my duty.
http://www.newrepublic.com/article/120231/king-v-burwell-supreme-court-case-shouldnt-worry-liberals-yet
A good read. Highly recommended.
IT’S ABOUT FREEDOM
(h/t lolgop)
Cruz doesn’t want to know - if PBO is for it - Cruz is against it - saves having to “know stuff” or “learn stuff”. Tis how the GOP in congress can get re-elected despite being the dumbest of the dumb
I’m sure everyone does (or has done) this but no one wants to say they do on Twitter! LOL :)
ummm..does sopping the gravy with a roll or bread count??
Our Maggie used to handle that chore. Now I do.
LOL. :)
Depends on what was on the plate, of course.
If there’s chocolate or Nutella, I’mma be licking the plate and my fingers! No question! :-D
OT-Time for a breather,eh?
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Invitation
Dear Family,
I’m not dead yet. Thanksgiving is still important to me. If being in my Last Will and Testament is important to you, then you might consider being with me for my favorite holiday.
Dinner is at 2:00.
NOT 2:15
NOT 2:05
Two 2:00
Arrive late and you get what’s left over.
Last year, that moron Marshall fried a turkey in one of those contraptions and practically burned the deck off the house. This year, the only peanut oil used to make the meal will be from the secret scoop of peanut butter I add to the carrot soup.
Jonathan, your last new wife was an idiot. You don’t arrive at someone’s house on Thanksgiving needing to use the oven and the stove. Honest to God, I thought you might have learned after two wives - date them longer and save us all the agony of another divorce.
Now, the house rules are slightly different this year because I have decided that 47 percent of you don’t know how to take care of nice things. Paper plates and red Solo cups might be bad for the environment, but I’ll be gone soon and that will be your problem to deal with.
House Rules:
1. The University of Texas no longer plays Texas A&M. The television stays off during the meal.
2. The “no cans for kids” rule still exists. We are using 2 liter bottles because your children still open a third can before finishing the first two. Parents can fill a child’s cup when it is empty. All of the cups will have names printed on them and I’ll be paying close attention to refills.
3. Chloe, last year we were at Trudy’s house and I looked the other way when your Jell-O salad showed up. This year, if Jell-O salad comes in the front door it will go right back out the back door with the garbage. Save yourself some time, honey. You’ve never been a good cook and you shouldn’t bring something that wiggles more than you. Buy something from the bakery.
4. Grandmothers give grandchildren cookies and candy. That is a fact of life. Your children can eat healthy at your home. At my home, they can eat whatever they like as long as they finish it.
5. I cook with bacon and bacon grease. That’s nothing new. Your being a vegetarian doesn’t change the fact that stuffing without bacon is like egg salad without eggs. Even the green bean casserole has a little bacon grease in it. That’s why it tastes so good. Not eating bacon is just not natural. And as far as being healthy, look at me. I’ve outlived almost everyone I know.
6. Salad at Thanksgiving is a waste of space.
7. I do not like cell phones. Leave them in the car.
8. I do not like video cameras. There will be 32 people here. I am sure you can capture lots of memories without the camera pointed at me.
9. Being a mother means you have to actually pay attention to the kids. I have nice things and I won’t put them away just because company is coming over. Mary, watch your kids and I’ll watch my things.
10. Rhonda, a cat that requires a shot twice a day is a cat that has lived too many lives. I think staying home to care for the cat is your way of letting me know that I have lived too many lives too. I can live with that. Can you?
11. Words mean things. I say what I mean. Let me repeat: when I say, “You don’t need to bring anything,” means you don’t need to bring anything. And if I did tell you to bring something, bring it in the quantity I said. Really, this doesn’t have to be difficult.
12. Dominos and cards are better than anything that requires a battery or an on/off switch. That was true when you were kids and it’s true now that you have kids
13. Showing up for Thanksgiving guarantees presents at Christmas. Not showing up guarantees a card that may or may not be signed.
In memory of your grandfather, the back fridge will be filled with beer. Drink until it is gone. I prefer wine anyway. But one from each family needs to be the designated driver.
I really mean all of the above.
Love you,
Grandma
That’s telling ‘em Grandma :D
They don’t play!
CNN is reporting that PBO chewed gum. ” Social Media is Blowing Up “… ” Should we be reporting on this ? “
This was a big story on USA Today. He offended the Chinese internet users by chewing gum and not using the very special Chinese cars to drive around in. OH MY!
Linda, are you kidding? Is CNN reporting that POTUS chew gum.
Must have been on Fox too because a right-winger(volunteer) mentioned it this morning at our food pantry. Giver her credit though: She pointed out that it was Nicoret and how much better for him to do that if he needed to than to smoke. When she first mentioned it, I said, “‘They criticize him for breathing so what is new?’”
No. She’s not kidding. I put a link up yesterday from USAToday. Dumb, petty little shits.
I am sure PBO chews his nicotine gum whenever he has the urge to smoke. That is his prerogative. Shame on CNN, USA Today and Chinese internet users.
What is sad, this is the best they could come up with to report on his trip?
They had to look hard to find a negative - US media does NOT report positively about PBO
Beautiful Veteran’s Day Post, Thanks NW!
Thanks, Bill.
All Time EST.
8:00 pm The President participates in a State Arrival Welcome Ceremony
Local Event Time: 9:00AM CST
Great Hall of the People - Beijing
Open Press
8:15 pm The President holds a restricted bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping of China
Local Event Time: 9:15AM CST
Great Hall of the People - Beijing
Closed Press
9:50 pm The President holds an expanded bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping of China
Local Event Time: 10:50AM CST
Great Hall of the People - Beijing
Pool Spray at the Top
10:40 pm The President delivers statements with President Xi Jinping of China
Local Event Time: 11:40AM CST
Great Hall of the People - Beijing
Open to pre-credentialed media
Yay, thank you, NCLB!
I haven’t seen a schedule with the times, and am grateful for the schedule in EST and CST times.
I’ll try to be awake for some events, at least, LOL.
You’re welcome, Arapaho.
For your reading pleasure.
http://nydn.us/1pNmYe1
Obama gives Putin chilly reception at APEC summit in China
The President blew off Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attempt at warmth as the two leaders differ over crises in Syria and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Obama told Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting he wanted to take their countries’ relationship ‘to a new level.’
http://launch.newsinc.com/share.html?trackingGroup=90051&siteSection=nydailynews-news&videoId=28132666
One more try:
Beijing summit reveals chill between Obama and Putin
https://social.newsinc.com/media/json/69017/28132666/singleVideoOG.html?videoId=28132666&type=VideoPlayer/16×9&widgetId=2&trackingGroup=69017
http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20141111&t=2&i=991026216&w=976&fh=&fw=&ll=&pl=&r=2014-11-11T182521Z_6_GM1EABB0XLM01_RTRMADP_0_CHINA-APEC
Now that is funny and true. LOL
She needed to redo the wording of her message. I know what she means because she is asking for volunteers but it comes across as offensive.
Again (I’ve been saying this for over a year) …her time has long since past. She needs to go back to being a very good representative of her district and the President would then appoint someone competent to lead our party in a forward thinking manner on a full time basis.
I absolutely agree. But the President is in a difficult position because if he does let her go, the Clintons will explode.
Let them explode. You know I don’t give a darn about those two. :mad:
If she remains she better be as impartial as Howard Dean was in 2007/2008 election. He refused to step in and take any sides and she better for darn sake do the same. I know that she is part of that Clinton circle which is another reason why she should step down. I bet PBO could find someone really great that was part of his OFA team to lead the party. I think we need to stay away from elected officials for the foreseeable future.
Absolutely. There must be quite a few people who could run the DNC with the smarts and insights to put us back on the right track. DWS and the inner circle at DNC made a catastrophic mistake. Something must be done to restore trust and competence.
I agree Donna…we need a grass roost oriented person..in the spirit of OFA…although the DNC may have access to the data….knowing what to do with the data and how to make it work are two different things…there have always been grass root elements in the DEM Party…but the DEM Party leadership is still too mired in old party politics…there has to be a change in focus and tactics…PBO knows the way…
This made me laugh!!!
#BAM
She is getting ripped to pieces for that tweet on twitter.
As only Jim Wright can.
http://www.stonekettle.com/2014/11/veterans-day-2014.html
Gov Nixon’s presser is telegraphing the Grand Jury’s endgame. OMG, this is expected but still excruciating
Disgusting!
Didn’t our Vicki leave for the Ferguson area last week? Is she still there?
She’s back home.
She posted here a couple of days ago, reported that everyone is angry, as you would expect.
Vicki, please correct me if I’m misremembering.
You got it right Arapaho.
On the ground is very firghtening.
A City Council member clearly confused by my appearance (Jill Biden’s 72 year old sister) informed me proudly that the FD has a secret new machine they brought in special for the announcement. When she saw my expression she retreated to “Of course, all we care about is that nobody gets hurt.”
Neither this official nor anyone else was able to explain to me why, if citizen welfare is the concern, an indictment and a charge have not been brought forth a long time ago.
Even more alarming is that the PD has circulated a memo that I thought was bogus but found out it is real which encouraged the people of St. Louis to stock up on guns and if possible send their families out of town.
Grand jury saw ONLY the defense side of the issue - Never happened before - Grand juries are presented with the prosecution facts. Justice is well and truly upside turkey in Ferguson
NW, thank you for this beautiful tribute to our veterans.
Abbott took it to Vlad, hard ….
Wow Bob he certainly did!!
A great threat in honor of all our Vet, Nerdy Wonka…….you did great. Thanks.
Gov. Jay Nixon was offensive . Way to aggressive and his treats were stupid. He does more harm than good.
Nerdy’s tweets:
http://theobamadiary.com/2014/11/11/a-tweet-or-two-166/
Happy Veteran’s Day and Thank you to all TOD vets and their families!
This tribute is lovely NW, thank you for giving us a place to share our gratitude and appreciation!