[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

120 STAT. 3885
 
PROCLAMATION 8054--SEPT. 20, 2006



Proclamation 8054 of September 20, 2006
Gold Star Mother's Day, 2006
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Since America's founding, every generation has produced patriots willing
to sacrifice for our great Nation. Many of these proud sons and
daughters have given everything for our freedom, and America has mourned
the loss of every life. On Gold Star Mother's Day, we pay special
tribute to the mothers of those lost while defending our country and
extending the blessings of liberty to others.
Gold Star Mothers have long borne the hardships of war with dignity and
devotion. Through heartbreaking loss and unimaginable grief, they
continue to support each other through difficult times, stand up for
those wearing the uniform of the United States, and serve their
communities in the best traditions of the American spirit. Their
strength, compassion, and determination are an inspiration to all and a
source of great pride for our Nation.
America lives in freedom because of the sacrifices of America's finest
citizens and of the mothers who raised them. In the words of President
Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944, ``There is nothing adequate which anyone
in any place can say to those who are entitled to display the gold star
in their windows.'' Each year, this observance is an opportunity to
offer our solemn respect to Gold Star Mothers and renew our ongoing
pledge that America will always remember those who died while wearing
the uniform of the United States and forever honor their families'
sacrifice.
The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat.
1895 as amended), has designated the last Sunday in September as ``Gold
Star Mother's Day'' and has authorized and requested the President to
issue a proclamation in its observance. On this day, we express our deep
gratitude to our Nation's Gold Star Mothers, and we ask God's blessings
on them and on their families.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 24, 2006, as Gold Star
Mother's Day. I call upon all Government officials to display the flag
of the United States over Government buildings on this solemn day. I
also encourage the American people to display the flag and hold
appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our Nation's sympathy
and respect for our Gold Star Mothers.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
GEORGE W. BUSH