    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [June 14, 2003]
    [Pages 634-635]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    June 14, 2003

        Good morning. June 14th is Flag Day, which commemorates the date in
    1777 when the Continental Congress officially made the Stars and Stripes
    the symbol of America. The Founders declared that the 13 stars gracing
    the original flag represented ``a new constellation,'' just as America
    represented a new hope and a new light for mankind.
        Over the past 226 years, our flag has been a symbol of freedom
    wherever it flies. It inspires hope in people suffering under tyranny or
    terror. It welcomes immigrants from every land searching for a better
    life, and it rallies our Nation in times of conflict and crisis.
        Whenever the flag is raised, Americans are reminded of our unity in
    the great cause of liberty and justice for all. Our Nation's flag is
    hung proudly in homes and schools, honored in parades and stadiums,
    flown on the field of battle, and folded at the graves of heroes.
        When Francis Scott Key saw the Stars and Stripes flying over Fort
    McHenry in 1814, he knew that liberty would persevere. That same faith
    was affirmed by marines who planted the flag at Iwo Jima and by the
    heroes of 9/11 who raised and saluted the flag at Ground Zero.
        By showing respect for our flag, we show reverence for the ideals
    that guide our Nation. And we show appreciation for the men and women
    who have served and sacrificed in defense of those ideals, from the
    early patriots of the Continental Congress to the members of our
    military defending freedom around the world today.
        This weekend, in communities across the Nation, Americans will have
    the opportunity to honor the flag and to thank the men and women who
    serve our country in uniform. As they continue to fight the war on
    terror in lands far from home, our troops rely on the support of their
    fellow citizens. I urge all Americans to participate in Flag Day
    celebrations honoring American Armed Forces and recognizing our
    veterans.
        Our Nation is strengthened every time a citizen steps forward to
    serve a cause greater than self-interest. And each of us can serve and
    strengthen America by reaching out to neighbors in need. There are so
    many ways to improve the lives of fellow Americans, by answering the
    call to feed the hungry or caring for the elderly or teaching a child to
    read or joining with neighbors to support the police, fire fighters, and
    medics who respond to emergencies. Every action you take will strengthen
    the bonds of community that unite all Americans and extend the promise
    of American life to another citizen.
        Between now and the Fourth of July, Americans will reflect often on
    the foundations of our freedom. Our country's founding generation
    established liberty and justice on this continent more than two
    centuries ago, and every generation is expected to protect and defend
    those ideals. Our duty as Americans is to serve our country, to defend
    the cause of liberty, and to extend the realm of freedom across the
    Earth. Our generation can proudly say that we are answering that call.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 10:05 a.m. on June 12 in the Cabinet
    Room at the

    [[Page 635]]

    White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on June 14. The transcript was
    made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on June 13 but was
    embargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office of the Press
    Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of this address.
    The Flag Day and National Flag Week proclamation of June 6 is listed in
    Appendix D at the end of this volume.