[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 192 (Wednesday, October 3, 2001)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 50289-50290]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-24916]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 192 / Wednesday, October 3, 2001 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 50289]]


                Proclamation 7474 of September 28, 2001

                
Gold Star Mother's Day, 2001

                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

[[Page 50290]]

                Independence of the United States of America the two 
                hundred and twenty-sixth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 01-24916
Filed 10-2-01; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P