[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 113 (Wednesday, June 12, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 40139-40140]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-14975]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 113 / Wednesday, June 12, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 40139]]


                Proclamation 7573 of June 7, 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.

[[Page 40140]]

                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.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-14975
Filed 6-11-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P