[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 17 (Monday, April 30, 2001)]
[Pages 665-666]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7429--Loyalty Day, 2001

 April 25, 2001

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Two hundred and twenty-five years ago, America's founders faced a 
decisive crossroads. Thomas Jefferson later remembered ``the bold and 
doubtful election we were to make for our country, between submission or 
the sword.'' They chose the sword, and a Nation was born.
    Today, we celebrate our loyalty to this country and to the 
principles for which America stands. Americans demonstrate their 
dedication by protecting our Nation and its people, promoting our 
commonly held ideals, and passing these values on to future generations.
    Many Americans display their loyalty through careers in public 
service. Members of our Armed Forces ensure that our Nation remains 
strong and secure, as well as defend democracy around the world. 
Domestically, law enforcement officers and the professionals working in 
our judicial system maintain the peace and uphold the rule of law on 
which our society depends. Countless other Americans also work to 
protect us from dangers that threaten our safety and resources.
    Americans have not let the dream of ``a more perfect Union'' fade 
with the passing of time. Rather, each new generation, along with 
millions of immigrants, has promoted ideals that lead to the archetype 
that the founders envisioned. Heroes have risen to fight for freedom, 
abolition of slavery, universal suffrage, civil rights, and other 
principles that form the foundation of our Nation. Today, citizens 
across the country continue this tradition by giving their time and 
effort to causes greater than themselves. Whether through charitable, 
civic, or church activities, Americans demonstrate their loyalty by 
working to improve our country and the lives of its people.
    Perhaps the most basic and important means by which we display 
loyalty to our country is by passing on to our children the

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hope and idealism that is an important part of the American spirit. 
Parents have the important task in ensuring that our Nation's future 
leaders are prepared to assume the responsibilities they will face. 
Teachers play essential roles in molding our young people, and they 
deserve our gratitude and respect for their dedication. Ministers and 
other mentors also give of themselves by introducing children to the 
vast opportunities that our Nation holds. By spending time with a child, 
Americans invest in the future of our country.
    Loyalty Day recognizes the solemn bond between America and its 
citizens. It provides an opportunity to recognize those who demonstrate 
their loyalty every day and challenges all of us to find more ways to 
contribute to the greater good of our country.
    The Congress, by Public Law 85-529, has designated May 1 of each 
year, as ``Loyalty Day,'' and I encourage all Americans to join me this 
day in reaffirming our allegiance to our blessed Nation.
    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 of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2001, as 
Loyalty Day. I call upon all the people of the United States in support 
of this national observance.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth 
day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
fifth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., April 27, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April 
30.