A Proclamation by the Mayor of the District of Columbia*

WHEREAS, thousands of veterans of America's Armed Forces have served this nation in times of peace and war and, in so doing, have thereby assured the safety and prosperity of all Americans; and

WHEREAS, veterans from Washington, DC have died and been injured fighting for democracy in Iraq while still denied full representation in the US Congress; and

WHEREAS, annually more than a million veterans nationwide enter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities for medical care; and

WHEREAS, these hospitalized veterans, who bear the physical and emotional scars of war, have most surely earned our gratitude for the many personal sacrifices they have made on our behalf:

Now, therefore, I, the Mayor of the District of Columbia, do hereby proclaim April 2, 2008, as "Because We Care Day" in Washington, DC, and call upon all residents of this great city to join me in recognizing the contributions of these men and women who have so gallantly served our country.

Adrian M. Fenty
Mayor, District of Columbia