For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 28, 2001
President Proclaims Gold Star Mother's Day
By the President of the United States Of America
A Proclamation
Since its inception, this Nation has relied upon courageous young men and women to fight willingly for our country's ideals. Time and again, these men and women have secured America's liberty and prosperity. In defense of freedom and the values Americans hold sacred, many have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Over the course of the last 226 years, more than 1 million American mothers have endured the loss of a son or daughter in service to our Nation.
In the aftermath of World War I, President
Woodrow Wilson first used the term "Gold Star Mother." It
signified not only the remembrance of a young life sacrificed in
service to America, but the pride, dignity, and devotion of one who had
first given life to that heroic young American. Since 1928, Gold Star
Mothers have sustained themselves through their profound sorrow by
lovingly serving others. From civic education and community
service, to the care of veterans and those in need, the Gold Star
Mothers promote patriotism, serve their country, and perpetuate the
memories of their lost loved ones. Today, the Nation's Gold
Star Mothers still stand as symbols of purpose, perseverance, and grace
in the face of personal tragedy. Each year, the Nation
remembers their sacrifice by honoring the Gold Star Mothers for their
steadfast commitment to the legacy of their fallen children and their
devotion to the United States of America.
The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution
115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895), 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 30, 2001, as Gold Star Mother's Day. I call upon
all Government officials to display the United States flag 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-eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord two
thousand one, and of the Independence of the United States of America
the two hundred and twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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