For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 16, 2002
Citizenship Day and Constitution Week, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect
Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for
the
common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the
Blessings
of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish
this Constitution for the United States of America.
With these words, written more than 200 years ago, our Forefathers
laid the foundations for a great Nation, adopting a Constitution that
has since proven to be an enduring and true guide for American
government. The Constitution's powerful framework for establishing and
preserving liberty, justice, and opportunity has enabled us to prosper
as a Nation and thrive as a people through more than two centuries of
political change, social transformation, and economic challenge.
The Founders secured the principles expressed in the Declaration of
Independence by establishing a government that derives its power from
the consent of the American people. The government established by the
Constitution formed a remarkably resilient structure, balancing
necessary authority with inherent freedoms, national unity with
individual rights, and Federal interests with State powers. In setting
this foundation, the Founders also recognized the potential for
necessary change. They included a constitutional amendment process,
which has proven to be a vitally important mechanism for achieving
equality and fairness for all our citizens.
Our Constitution is sustained by Americans who daily defend the
principles of democracy and freedom. We understand that with great
privileges come great responsibilities. Citizenship not only involves
a commitment to our Nation but also to our neighbors and those in
need. Over the past year, we have seen many outstanding examples of
selfless sacrifice, courageous compassion, and true generosity. We
remain committed to building a culture of service and responsibility
that inspires citizens to reach out to the needy, take leadership in
improving our communities, and participate fully in our democratic
process.
Today, the United States stands as a beacon of democracy and
tolerance, inviting the nations of the world to pursue justice, provide
freedom, and protect liberty for their people. As we face the
challenges of a new era, we remain resolved and vigilant in the defense
of life and liberty against tyranny and terror. Drawing strength and
guidance from our Constitution, we will work to ensure that the
blessings of American liberty endure and extend for generations to
come.
In remembrance of the signing of the Constitution and in
recognition of the Americans who strive to uphold the duties and
responsibilities of citizenship, the Congress, by joint
resolution of February 29, 1952 (36 U.S.C. 106, as amended),
designated September 17 as "Citizenship Day," and by joint resolution
of August 2, 1956 (36 U.S.C. 108, as amended), requested that the
President proclaim the week beginning September 17 and ending September
23 of each year as "Constitution Week."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, do hereby proclaim September 17, 2002, as Citizenship Day
and September 17 through September 23, 2002, as Constitution Week. I
encourage Federal, State, and local officials, as well as leaders of
civic, social, and educational organizations, to conduct ceremonies and
programs that celebrate our Constitution and reaffirm our commitment as
citizens of our great Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
sixteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand two,
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred
and twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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