[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 20 (Monday, May 20, 2002)]
[Pages 836-837]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7562--Armed Forces Day, 2002

May 16, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    The words of President Dwight D. Eisenhower written in 1953 remain 
true today: ``It is fitting and proper that we devote one day each year 
to paying special tribute to those whose constancy and courage 
constitute one of the bulwarks guarding the freedom of this nation and 
the peace of the free world.'' On Armed Forces Day, our grateful Nation 
salutes the brave men and women who protect our country, defend freedom, 
and help make our world a better place.
    During these extraordinary times, we are reminded that our 
achievements in peace and war stand upon the service and sacrifice of 
those in uniform. Today, we have troops fighting overseas to defeat 
terrorism. These brave men and women follow in the footsteps of previous 
generations who, since our Nation's founding, have stepped forward to 
defend our homeland and secure liberty for our country and our friends 
and allies. The members of our military exemplify the true spirit of 
patriotism--a love of country expressed through a commitment to serve 
our Nation and defend our freedom. Their selfless dedication and 
determination are an inspiration to every American.
    In difficult times, America has called on members of our Armed 
Forces to protect the democratic ideals on which our country was 
founded, and they have never let our country down. As we confront the 
challenges of this new era, we will continue to rely on our military's 
extraordinary skill, sense of honor, devotion to duty, and courageous 
commitment to service.
    More than 50 years ago, President Harry S. Truman helped establish a 
day for Americans to join together and thank our military members for 
their service to our country. In 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis 
Johnson announced the establishment of Armed Forces Day to replace 
separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force Days. A year later, 
President Truman issued a Presidential Proclamation, observing that the 
day ``marks the first combined demonstration by America's defense team 
of its progress, under the National Security Act, towards the goal of 
readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by 
the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense.''
    The theme of this year's celebration is ``United For Freedom.'' 
During this celebration, I encourage Americans to show the world that we 
are unified as a people and ready to defend our way of life, our 
freedoms, and our homeland. As President and Commander in Chief, I urge 
all our citizens to join me in expressing appreciation for the 
dedication and selfless service of the members of our extraordinary 
Armed Forces.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, 
continuing the precedent of my ten immediate predecessors in this 
Office, do hereby proclaim the third Saturday of each May as Armed 
Forces Day.
    I direct the Secretary of Defense on behalf of the Army, Navy, 
Marine Corps, and Air Force, and the Secretary of Transportation on 
behalf of the Coast Guard, to plan for appropriate observances each 
year, with the Secretary of Defense responsible for soliciting the 
participation and cooperation of civil authorities and private citizens.
    I invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico, and other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, 
to provide for the observance of Armed Forces Day within their 
jurisdiction each year in an appropriate manner designed to increase 
public understanding and appreciation of the Armed Forces of the United 
States.
    I also invite national and local veterans, civic, and community 
service organizations to join in the observance of Armed Forces Day each 
year.
    I call upon all Americans not only to display the flag of the United 
States at their homes on Armed Forces Day, but also to learn about our 
system of defense and about

[[Page 837]]

the men and women who sustain it by attending and participating in the 
local observances of the day.
    Proclamation 6693 of May 21, 1994, is hereby superseded.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day 
of May, 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, 8:45 a.m., May 20, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on May 
21.