[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 87 (Monday, May 6, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 30309-30310]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-11246]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 87 / Monday, May 6, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 30309]]


                Proclamation 7549 of April 30, 2002

                
Loyalty Day, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Ours is a Nation of people who demonstrate their 
                patriotic loyalty through service to our country. 
                Whether born on American soil or abroad, Americans 
                appreciate patriotism and loyalty to our country. 
                President Woodrow Wilson said, ``Loyalty means nothing 
                unless it has at its heart the absolute principle of 
                self-sacrifice.'' Americans affirmed this sense of 
                loyalty for their homeland during and following the 
                attacks of September 11, 2001. Brave rescuers died 
                while saving others. Passengers on a hijacked airplane 
                gave their lives to prevent the deaths of fellow 
                Americans. Americans pledged to fight terrorism, both 
                here and across the globe.

                Since that tragic day, citizens across our country 
                overwhelmingly gave their time and resources to help 
                those in need. These countless expressions of 
                patriotism reflect an inspiring devotion to our fellow 
                citizens and our Nation.

                For our military personnel, loyalty and dedication is a 
                way of life. The men and women of our Armed Forces 
                embody loyalty as they work to protect our ideals. 
                Throughout our history, America's military has 
                heroically defended our country and its founding 
                principles of freedom and democracy. Today, our 
                military is again responding to the call of duty with 
                courage and pride. These brave individuals who risk 
                their lives fighting terror honor those who have made 
                the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the American 
                people.

                Our Constitution speaks of forming ``a more perfect 
                Union,'' and Americans have always responded to this 
                call with commitment and character. Brave citizens have 
                fought to abolish slavery, to extend voting rights to 
                all our citizens, and to uphold civil rights. The 
                struggle to improve our Nation also takes place on an 
                individual level, one person at a time. Men and women 
                of all ages and from all over the country work every 
                day to help others in need. Through families, community 
                groups, and places of worship, Americans give of 
                themselves to help others realize a brighter future.

                Our loyalty to American democracy and freedom is born 
                of pride, appreciation, and understanding of our 
                country. We are loyal to America, our fellow citizens, 
                and these ideals. Loyalty Day provides an opportunity 
                to recognize those who demonstrate their commitment to 
                our country through service and sacrifice. These 
                individuals serve as a model for all Americans.

                The Congress, by Public Law 85-529, as amended, has 
                designated May 1 of each year as ``Loyalty Day.'' On 
                this special occasion, I encourage all Americans to 
                join me in reaffirming our allegiance to our blessed 
                Nation.

                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 May 1, 2002, as Loyalty Day. 
                I call upon all Americans to take part in celebrating 
                this national observance.

[[Page 30310]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of April, 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.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-11246
Filed 5-2-02; 9:32 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P