For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 29, 2002
Gold Star Mother's Day, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Throughout our rich history, many of our Nation's dedicated
military men and women have served and sacrificed their lives to secure
our country, defend our freedoms, and preserve the values of our
democracy. Many of these heroes fell in battle, leaving behind family,
friends, and loved ones who grieve their loss to this day. Every year,
we recognize and honor mothers who have lost sons and daughters in
service to our country -- our Gold Star Mothers -- and we thank them
for their strength and their contributions to our Nation.
Our Gold Star Mothers help us remember those who have been lost by
upholding the ideals for which their children gave their lives. These
brave women are devoted to improving and enhancing the lives of those
in our Armed Forces, their families, and our veterans, and they
encourage civic education, patriotism, and the teaching of American
history. These efforts enrich the lives of countless young Americans,
and they support my Administration's work to build a culture of
service, citizenship, and responsi-bility in our country.
By advancing national pride and promoting international goodwill,
Gold Star Mothers serve as models of grace and strength. As we honor
their patriotism and dedication, we renew our commitment to upholding
the honorable legacy of their fallen children by pursuing a future of
security, liberty, and peace.
The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936, (49
Stat. 1895 as amended), has designated the last Sunday in September as
"Gold Star Mother's Day," and has authorized and requested the
President to issue a proclamation in observance of this day.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 29, 2002, as Gold Star
Mother's Day. I call upon all Government officials to display the flag
of the United States over Government buildings on this solemn day. I
also encourage the American people to display the flag and to hold
appropriate meetings in their homes, places of worship, or other
suitable places as a public expression of the sympathy and respect that
our Nation holds for our Gold Star Mothers.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh
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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