Honoring veterans of the United States Armed Forces, in Philadelphia and across the country, in accordance with the observation of Veterans Day on November 11, 2011.

WHEREAS, For more than 200 years, individuals from all walks of life have taken up arms and sworn an oath to support and defend the principles upon which our country was founded; and

WHEREAS, Throughout our history, courageous men and women have donned the uniforms of our Armed Forces and built a noble tradition of faithful and dedicated service to our Nation; and

WHEREAS, Veterans Day has been set aside as both a national and state holiday to honor the 50 million American patriots who answered the call of duty, preserving our freedoms, and often making the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, We can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to those heroic men and women who served, were wounded, or even died in battle; and

WHEREAS, The unwavering commitment of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen has preserved our freedoms and saved millions around the world from tyranny; and

WHEREAS, We continue to draw inspiration from the heroism and dedication of those who currently serve and sacrifice for the cause of liberty and justice; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting that all Philadelphians honor America's military veterans, including Philadelphia's 81,000 living veterans, through whose service and sacrifice we today enjoy freedom and liberty; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize November 11, 2011 as Veterans Day and call upon all Philadelphians to honor the contributions of current and former members of the United States Armed Services.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Leonard Johnson, Senior Vice Commander of the United Veterans Council as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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