[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 18 (Monday, May 6, 2002)]
[Pages 727-728]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7549--Loyalty Day, 2002

 April 30, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Ours is a Nation of people who demonstrate their patriotic loyalty 
through service to our country. Whether born on American soil or abroad, 
Americans appreciate patriotism and loyalty to our country. President 
Woodrow Wilson said, ``Loyalty means nothing unless it has at its heart 
the absolute principle of self-sacrifice.'' Americans affirmed this 
sense of loyalty for their homeland during and following the attacks of 
September 11, 2001. Brave rescuers died while saving others. Passengers 
on a hijacked airplane gave their lives to prevent the deaths of fellow 
Americans. Americans pledged to fight terrorism, both here and across 
the globe.
    Since that tragic day, citizens across our country overwhelmingly 
gave their time and resources to help those in need. These countless 
expressions of patriotism reflect an inspiring devotion to our fellow 
citizens and our Nation.
    For our military personnel, loyalty and dedication is a way of life. 
The men and women of our Armed Forces embody loyalty as they work to 
protect our ideals. Throughout our history, America's military has 
heroically defended our country and its founding principles of freedom 
and democracy. Today, our military is again responding to the call of 
duty with courage and pride. These brave individuals who risk their 
lives fighting terror honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice 
on behalf of the American people.
    Our Constitution speaks of forming ``a more perfect Union,'' and 
Americans have

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always responded to this call with commitment and character. Brave 
citizens have fought to abolish slavery, to extend voting rights to all 
our citizens, and to uphold civil rights. The struggle to improve our 
Nation also takes place on an individual level, one person at a time. 
Men and women of all ages and from all over the country work every day 
to help others in need. Through families, community groups, and places 
of worship, Americans give of themselves to help others realize a 
brighter future.
    Our loyalty to American democracy and freedom is born of pride, 
appreciation, and understanding of our country. We are loyal to America, 
our fellow citizens, and these ideals. Loyalty Day provides an 
opportunity to recognize those who demonstrate their commitment to our 
country through service and sacrifice. These individuals serve as a 
model for all Americans.
    The Congress, by Public Law 85-529, as amended, has designated May 1 
of each year as ``Loyalty Day.'' On this special occasion, I encourage 
all Americans to join me 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, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2002, as 
Loyalty Day. I call upon all Americans to take part in celebrating this 
national observance.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:32 a.m., May 2, 2002]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on May 2, and it was published in the Federal Register on May 
6.