For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 30, 2004
Loyalty Day, 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
As Americans, we work to preserve the freedom declared by our
Founding Fathers, defended by generations, and granted to every man and
woman on Earth by the Almighty. On Loyalty Day, we are reminded that
we are citizens with obligations to our country, to each other, and to
our great legacy of freedom and democracy.
We learn lessons of loyalty from the selfless dedication and
unwavering allegiance of our men and women in uniform. We are grateful
for their courage and willingness to sacrifice for our country, and we
stand united behind them. Through the "On the Homefront" program, a
USA Freedom Corps initiative, many Americans are writing to service
members, contributing to the purchase of care packages to be sent
overseas, and helping the families of those deployed with basic family
needs such as home repairs, financial planning, and child care. By
supporting our troops and their families, citizens are making a
difference in their communities and showing loyalty to our country
through their patriotism.
America's citizens are also demonstrating their loyalty to our
Nation through volunteer service. In answering the call to serve
something greater than self, Americans reflect the compassion and
decency that make our country great. Through the USA Freedom Corps, my
Administration is providing information about volunteer opportunities
to Americans so they can give back to their communities and help their
fellow citizens in need. The hard work and generosity of America's
volunteers help build a culture of service and responsible citizenship
that strengthens America and sets a positive example for future
generations.
Over the past few years, America has once again witnessed the
loyalty and character of our citizens. We must continue to ensure that
our young people know the great cause of freedom and why it is worth
defending. Our Founders believed the study of history and citizenship
should be at the core of every American's education. By encouraging
students to learn more about American history and values, we can help
prepare the next generation of Americans to carry our heritage of
freedom into the future. To further this goal, my Administration has
created initiatives such as "We the People" and "Our Documents" to help
bring the stories and documents central to our history into the modern
classroom.
Loyalty Day encourages citizens to demonstrate their commitment to
our country by supporting our military, serving each other, and
teaching our young people about our history and values. Being an
American is a privilege, and our patriotism is a living faith in our
country's founding ideals and the promise of the American Dream.
The Congress, by Public Law 85-529, as amended, has designated May
1 of each year as "Loyalty Day," and I ask all Americans to join me in
this day of celebration and in reaffirming our allegiance to our
Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2004, as Loyalty Day. I call
upon all the people of the United States to join in support of this
national observance. I also call upon government officials to display
the flag of the United States on all government buildings on Loyalty
Day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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