For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 14, 2003
President's Radio Address
Audio
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. June 14th is Flag Day, which
commemorates the date in 1777 when the Continental Congress officially
made the Stars and Stripes the symbol of America. The founders
declared that the 13 stars gracing the original flag represented "a new
constellation," just as America represented new hope and new light for
mankind.
Over the past 226 years, our flag has been a symbol of freedom
wherever it flies. It inspires hope in people suffering under tyranny
or terror. It welcomes immigrants from every land searching for a
better life. And it rallies our nation in times of conflict and
crisis.
Whenever the flag is raised, Americans are reminded of our unity in
the great cause of liberty and justice for all. Our nation's flag is
hung proudly in homes an schools, honored in parades and stadiums,
flown on the field of battle, and folded at the graves of heroes.
When Francis Scott Key saw the Stars and Stripes flying over Fort
McHenry in 1814, he knew that liberty would persevere. That same faith
was affirmed by Marines who planted the flag at Iwo Jima, and by the
heroes of 9/11, who raised and saluted the flag at Ground Zero.
By showing respect for our flag, we show reverence for the ideals
that guide our nation. And we show appreciation for the men and women
who have served and sacrificed in defense of those ideals -- from the
early patriots of the Continental Congress to the members of our
military defending freedom around the world today.
This weekend, in communities across the nation, Americans will have
the opportunity to honor the flag, and to thank the men and women who
serve our country in uniform. As they continue to fight the war on
terror in lands far from home, our troops rely on the support of their
fellow citizens. I urge all Americans to participate in Flag Day
celebrations honoring American armed forces and recognizing our
veterans.
Our nation is strengthened every time a citizen steps forward to
serve a cause greater than self-interest. And each of us can serve and
strengthen America by reaching out to neighbors in need. There are so
many ways to improve the lives of fellow Americans -- by answering the
call to feed the hungry, or caring for the elderly, or teaching a child
to read, or joining with neighbors to support the police, fire fighters
and medics who respond to emergencies. Every action you take will
strengthen the bonds of community that unite all Americans, and extend
the promise of American life to another citizen.
Between now and the 4th of July, Americans will reflect often on
the foundations of our freedom. Our country's founding generation
established liberty and justice on this continent more than two
centuries ago, and every generation is expected to protect and defend
those ideals. Our duty as Americans is to serve our country, to defend
the cause of liberty, and to extend the realm of freedom across the
earth. Our generation can proudly say that we are answering that
call.
Thank you for listening.
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