[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 183 (Friday, September 20, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 59133-59134]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-24158]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 183 / Friday, September 20, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 59133]]

                Proclamation 7594 of September 16, 2002

                
Citizenship Day and Constitution Week, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, 
establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common 
defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty 
to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution 
for the United States of America.

                With these words, written more than 200 years ago, our 
                Forefathers laid the foundations for a great Nation, 
                adopting a Constitution that has since proven to be an 
                enduring and true guide for American government. The 
                Constitution's powerful framework for establishing and 
                preserving liberty, justice, and opportunity has 
                enabled us to prosper as a Nation and thrive as a 
                people through more than two centuries of political 
                change, social transformation, and economic challenge.

                The Founders secured the principles expressed in the 
                Declaration of Independence by establishing a 
                government that derives its power from the consent of 
                the American people. The government established by the 
                Constitution formed a remarkably resilient structure, 
                balancing necessary authority with inherent freedoms, 
                national unity with individual rights, and Federal 
                interests with State powers. In setting this 
                foundation, the Founders also recognized the potential 
                for necessary change. They included a constitutional 
                amendment process, which has proven to be a vitally 
                important mechanism for achieving equality and fairness 
                for all our citizens.

                Our Constitution is sustained by Americans who daily 
                defend the principles of democracy and freedom. We 
                understand that with great privileges come great 
                responsibilities. Citizenship not only involves a 
                commitment to our Nation but also to our neighbors and 
                those in need. Over the past year, we have seen many 
                outstanding examples of selfless sacrifice, courageous 
                compassion, and true generosity. We remain committed to 
                building a culture of service and responsibility that 
                inspires citizens to reach out to the needy, take 
                leadership in improving our communities, and 
                participate fully in our democratic process.

                Today, the United States stands as a beacon of 
                democracy and tolerance, inviting the nations of the 
                world to pursue justice, provide freedom, and protect 
                liberty for their people. As we face the challenges of 
                a new era, we remain resolved and vigilant in the 
                defense of life and liberty against tyranny and terror. 
                Drawing strength and guidance from our Constitution, we 
                will work to ensure that the blessings of American 
                liberty endure and extend for generations to come.

                In remembrance of the signing of the Constitution and 
                in recognition of the Americans who strive to uphold 
                the duties and responsibilities of citizenship, the 
                Congress, by joint resolution of February 29, 1952 (36 
                U.S.C. 106, as amended), designated September 17 as 
                ``Citizenship Day,'' and by joint resolution of August 
                2, 1956 (36 U.S.C. 108, as amended), requested that the 
                President proclaim the week beginning September 17 and 
                ending September 23 of each year as ``Constitution 
                Week.''

[[Page 59134]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 
                17, 2002, as Citizenship Day and September 17 through 
                September 23, 2002, as Constitution Week. I encourage 
                Federal, State, and local officials, as well as leaders 
                of civic, social, and educational organizations, to 
                conduct ceremonies and programs that celebrate our 
                Constitution and reaffirm our commitment as citizens of 
                our great Nation.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                sixteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand two, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-24158
Filed 9-19-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P