[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7779 of April 30, 2004


 
Loyalty Day, 2004


By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As Americans, we work to preserve the freedom declared by our Founding
Fathers, defended by generations, and granted to every man and woman on
Earth by the Almighty. On Loyalty Day, we are reminded that we are
citizens with obligations to our country, to each other, and to our
great legacy of freedom and democracy.
We learn lessons of loyalty from the selfless dedication and unwavering
allegiance of our men and women in uniform. We are grateful for their
courage and willingness to sacrifice for our country, and we stand
united behind them. Through the ``On the Homefront''; program, a USA
Freedom Corps initiative, many Americans are writing to service

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members, contributing to the purchase of care packages to be sent
overseas, and helping the families of those deployed with basic family
needs such as home repairs, financial planning, and child care. By
supporting our troops and their families, citizens are making a
difference in their communities and showing loyalty to our country
through their patriotism.
America's citizens are also demonstrating their loyalty to our Nation
through volunteer service. In answering the call to serve something
greater than self, Americans reflect the compassion and decency that
make our country great. Through the USA Freedom Corps, my Administration
is providing information about volunteer opportunities to Americans so
they can give back to their communities and help their fellow citizens
in need. The hard work and generosity of America's volunteers help build
a culture of service and responsible citizenship that strengthens
America and sets a positive example for future generations.
Over the past few years, America has once again witnessed the loyalty
and character of our citizens. We must continue to ensure that our young
people know the great cause of freedom and why it is worth defending.
Our Founders believed the study of history and citizenship should be at
the core of every American's education. By encouraging students to learn
more about American history and values, we can help prepare the next
generation of Americans to carry our heritage of freedom into the
future. To further this goal, my Administration has created initiatives
such as ``We the People''; and ``Our Documents''; to help bring the
stories and documents central to our history into the modern classroom.
Loyalty Day encourages citizens to demonstrate their commitment to our
country by supporting our military, serving each other, and teaching our
young people about our history and values. Being an American is a
privilege, and our patriotism is a living faith in our country's
founding ideals and the promise of the American Dream.
The Congress, by Public Law 85-529, as amended, has designated May 1 of
each year as ``Loyalty Day,''; and I ask all Americans to join me in
this day of celebration and in reaffirming our allegiance to our Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2004, as Loyalty Day. I call upon all
the people of the United States to join in support of this national
observance. I also call upon government officials to display the flag of
the United States on all government buildings on Loyalty Day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH

PROCLAMATION 7780--APR. 30, 2004

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