[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 98 (Tuesday, May 21, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 35707-35708]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-12860]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 98 / Tuesday, 
May 21, 2002 / Presidential Documents  

[[Page 35707]]


                Proclamation 7562 of May 16, 2002

                
Armed Forces Day, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The words of President Dwight D. Eisenhower written in 
                1953 remain true today: "It is fitting and proper 
                that we devote one day each year to paying special 
                tribute to those whose constancy and courage constitute 
                one of the bulwarks guarding the freedom of this nation 
                and the peace of the free world." On Armed Forces 
                Day, our grateful Nation salutes the brave men and 
                women who protect our country, defend freedom, and help 
                make our world a better place.

                During these extraordinary times, we are reminded that 
                our achievements in peace and war stand upon the 
                service and sacrifice of those in uniform. Today, we 
                have troops fighting overseas to defeat terrorism. 
                These brave men and women follow in the footsteps of 
                previous generations who, since our Nation's founding, 
                have stepped forward to defend our homeland and secure 
                liberty for our country and our friends and allies. The 
                members of our military exemplify the true spirit of 
                patriotism-a love of country expressed through a 
                commitment to serve our Nation and defend our freedom. 
                Their selfless dedication and determination are an 
                inspiration to every American.

                In difficult times, America has called on members of 
                our Armed Forces to protect the democratic ideals on 
                which our country was founded, and they have never let 
                our country down. As we confront the challenges of this 
                new era, we will continue to rely on our military's 
                extraordinary skill, sense of honor, devotion to duty, 
                and courageous commitment to service.

                More than 50 years ago, President Harry S. Truman 
                helped establish a day for Americans to join together 
                and thank our military members for their service to our 
                country. In 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson 
                announced the establishment of Armed Forces Day to 
                replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air 
                Force Days. A year later, President Truman issued a 
                Presidential Proclamation, observing that the day 
                "marks the first combined demonstration by 
                America's defense team of its progress, under the 
                National Security Act, towards the goal of readiness 
                for any eventuality. It is the first parade of 
                preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, 
                and air defense."

                The theme of this year's celebration is "United 
                For Freedom." During this celebration, I 
                encourage Americans to show the world that we are 
                unified as a people and ready to defend our way of 
                life, our freedoms, and our homeland. As President and 
                Commander in Chief, I urge all our citizens to join me 
                in expressing appreciation for the dedication and 
                selfless service of the members of our extraordinary 
                Armed Forces.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America and Commander in Chief of the 
                Armed Forces of the United States, continuing the 
                precedent of my ten immediate predecessors in this 
                Office, do hereby proclaim the third Saturday of each 
                May as Armed Forces Day.

                I direct the Secretary of Defense on behalf of the 
                Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, and the 
                Secretary of Transportation on behalf of

[[Page 35708]]

                the Coast Guard, to plan for appropriate observances 
                each year, with the Secretary of Defense responsible 
                for soliciting the participation and cooperation of 
                civil authorities and private citizens.

                I invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth 
                of Puerto Rico, and other areas subject to the 
                jurisdiction of the United States, to provide for the 
                observance of Armed Forces Day within their 
                jurisdiction each year in an appropriate manner 
                designed to increase public understanding and 
                appreciation of the Armed Forces of the United States.

                I also invite national and local veterans, civic, and 
                community service organizations to join in the 
                observance of Armed Forces Day each year.

                I call upon all Americans not only to display the flag 
                of the United States at their homes on Armed Forces 
                Day, but also to learn about our system of defense and 
                about the men and women who sustain it by attending and 
                participating in the local observances of the day.

                Proclamation 6693 of May 21, 1994, is hereby 
                superseded.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                sixteenth day of May, 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. 02-12860
Filed 05-20-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P