For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 13, 2002
Flag Day and National Flag Week, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
The American flag is a beacon of hope, a symbol of enduring
freedom, and an emblem of unity. Many have given their lives in its
defense, and countless men and women have worked to ensure that Old
Glory continues to stand for the ideals of freedom, justice, and equal
opportunity for all. Our flag symbolizes the purpose and resolve of
our Nation, first expressed by our Founders who triumphed against great
odds to establish this country.
Today, as we face the challenges of a new era, our flag reminds us
that freedom will prevail over oppression and that good will overcome
evil. Following the attacks of September 11, Americans embraced a
renewed sense of the meaning and purpose of our flag. The
unforgettable images of our Nation's colors flying defiantly over the
debris of the World Trade Center inspired our country with a healing
hope, uniting our people in purpose and consoling those who had
suffered great loss. At the Pentagon, an American flag was hung from
the building's damaged walls, expressing our collective resolve to
rebuild and move forward. And earlier this year, during the Opening
Ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Americans,
joined by peace-loving people from around the world, paid tribute to
the tattered flag that had been recovered from the ruins of the World
Trade Center.
As we reflect on what our flag represents, we recall the words of
President Woodrow Wilson, who said just weeks before the onset of World
War I: "My dream is that, as the years go on and the world knows more
and more of America, it . . . will turn to America for those moral
inspirations which lie at the basis of all freedom . . . that America
will come into the full light of the day when all shall know that she
puts human rights above all other rights, and that her flag is the
flag, not only of America, but of humanity."
The flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write our National
Anthem 188 years ago still energizes and inspires the American spirit.
Since September 11, we have seen our Nation's flag appear everywhere --
on cars and clothing, houses and hard hats -- showing our country's
commitment to always remember those who lost their lives and to remain
unremitting in the pursuit of justice.
Today, in Afghanistan and around the world, brave men and women are
serving under our flag, fighting to preserve freedom and win the war
against terrorism. All Americans are profoundly grateful for their
service and their sacrifice. We also recognize and commend the
contributions of our veterans who have bravely defended our Nation's
founding principles throughout
our history. The image of six marines raising the flag on the top
of Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima will always remind us that the struggle
for liberty is a story of courage, sacrifice, and commitment to the
unshakeable belief in freedom's promise.
On Flag Day, we remember the struggles and successes for which our
flag stands. And we look to the flag as an everlasting symbol of our
commitment to a world of peace, a Nation of principle, and a people of
unity.
To commemorate the adoption of our flag, the Congress, by joint
resolution approved August 3, 1949, as amended (63 Stat. 492),
designated June 14 of each year as "Flag Day" and requested that the
President issue an annual proclamation calling for its observance and
for the display of the Flag of the United States on all Federal
Government buildings. The Congress also requested, by joint resolution
approved June 9, 1966, as amended (80 Stat. 194), that the President
annually issue a proclamation designating the week in which June 14
occurs as "National Flag Week" and calling upon all citizens of the
United States to display the flag during that week.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2002, as
Flag Day and the week beginning June 9, 2002, as National Flag Week. I
direct the appropriate officials to display the flag on all Federal
Government buildings during that week, and I urge all Americans to
observe Flag Day and National Flag Week by flying the Stars and Stripes
from their homes and other suitable places. I also call upon the
people of the United States to observe with pride and all due ceremony
those days from Flag Day through Independence Day, also set aside by
the Congress (89 Stat. 211), as a time to honor America, to celebrate
our heritage in public gatherings and activities, and to publicly
recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of
America.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of
June, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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