Recognizing Birmingham, Alabama, as home to the first and longest-running celebration of Veterans Day and home of the National Veteran Award.

Recognizes: (1) Birmingham, Alabama, as the home to the first and longest running national celebration of Veterans Day; and (2) Raymond Weeks for his 40 years of patriotic and pioneering efforts establishing Veterans Day and the National Veteran Award.

Congratulates the Tuskegee Airmen for Receiving the National Veteran Award.

Honors U.S. veterans and their families for providing freedom of life and liberty.

Pays tribute to U.S. men and women in uniform who risk life and limb at home and overseas.

[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 395 Introduced in House (IH)]

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 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
  Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a 
 period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for 
consideration 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 National Veterans Day in 
        Birmingham, Alabama;
Whereas 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 Raymond Weeks presented 
        General Eisenhower a program design proposing ``National Veterans Day 
        1947'' to 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 included 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 annual presentation of the National 
        Veteran Award in Birmingham;
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
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 Veterans Day and the 
        National Veteran Award;
            (3) congratulates the Tuskegee Airmen for receiving 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.
                                 <all>