[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 121, 110th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8106--FEB. 16, 2007

Proclamation 8106 of February 16, 2007
275th Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Two hundred seventy-five years after the birth of George Washington, we
honor the life and legacy of a surveyor from Virginia who became
Commander of the Continental Army, a major force at the Constitutional
Convention, and the first President of the United States of America.
Remembered by the Congress as ``first in war, first in peace, and first
in the hearts of his countrymen,''; George Washington dedicated his life
to the success of America. During the Revolutionary War, Washington's
small band of hungry soldiers faced the professional army of a great
empire, and his unshakable vision for a new democracy proved a powerful
inspiration to his troops. Knowing that the outcome of their struggle
would determine ``the destiny of unborn Millions,''; Washington led his
often ragged forces beyond incredible hardships into battle and on to
victory with strength, steadfastness, and a quiet confidence.
The triumphant General treasured his brief time at home, but his
devotion to duty and belief in the promise of a more perfect Union lured
Washington from Mount Vernon. He presided over the Constitutional
Convention with wisdom, diplomacy, and humility and helped form the
working model of our democracy. When the Constitution was rati

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fied, America again turned to a beloved and proven leader, electing
George Washington as the first President of the United States.
As we celebrate the life of George Washington and his contributions to
the American experiment, we can also take pride in our stewardship of
the Republic he forged. Today, he would see in America the world's
foremost champion of liberty--a Nation that stands for freedom for all,
a Nation that stands with democratic reformers, and a Nation that stands
up to tyranny and terror. On his 275th birthday, George Washington would
see an America fulfilling the promise of her Founders, honoring the
durable wisdom of our Constitution, and moving forward in the world with
confidence, compassion, and strength.
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 February 22, 2007, as the
275th Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington. I encourage all
Americans to join me in honoring the Father of our Country with
appropriate civic and service programs and activities in remembrance of
George Washington and with gratitude for all he gave for his country.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of
February, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
GEORGE W. BUSH