[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 24 (Monday, June 17, 2002)]
[Pages 1003-1004]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Proclamation 7573--Flag Day and National Flag Week, 2002

 June 7, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    The American flag is a beacon of hope, a symbol of enduring freedom, 
and an emblem of unity. Many have given their lives in its defense, and 
countless men and women have worked to ensure that Old Glory continues 
to stand for the ideals of freedom, justice, and equal opportunity for 
all. Our flag symbolizes the purpose and resolve of our Nation, first 
expressed by our Founders who triumphed against great odds to establish 
this country.
    Today, as we face the challenges of a new era, our flag reminds us 
that freedom will prevail over oppression and that good will overcome 
evil. Following the attacks of September 11, Americans embraced a 
renewed sense of the meaning and purpose of our flag. The unforgettable 
images of our Nation's colors flying defiantly over the debris of the 
World Trade Center inspired our country with a healing hope, uniting our 
people in purpose and consoling those who had suffered great loss. At 
the Pentagon, an American flag was hung from the building's damaged 
walls, expressing our collective resolve to rebuild and move forward. 
And earlier this year, during the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter 
Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Americans, joined by peace-loving 
people from around the world, paid tribute to the tattered flag that had 
been recovered from the ruins of the World Trade Center.
    As we reflect on what our flag represents, we recall the words of 
President Woodrow Wilson, who said just weeks before the onset of World 
War I: ``My dream is that, as the years go on and the world knows more 
and more of America, it . . . will turn to America for those moral 
inspirations which lie at the basis of all freedom . . . that America 
will come into the full light of the day when all shall know that she 
puts human rights above all other rights, and that her flag is the flag, 
not only of America, but of humanity.''
    The flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write our National 
Anthem 188 years ago still energizes and inspires the American spirit. 
Since September 11, we have seen our Nation's flag appear everywhere--on 
cars and clothing, houses and hard hats--showing our country's 
commitment to always remember those who lost their lives and to remain 
unremitting in the pursuit of justice.
    Today, in Afghanistan and around the world, brave men and women are 
serving under our flag, fighting to preserve freedom and win the war 
against terrorism. All Americans are profoundly grateful for their 
service and their sacrifice. We also recognize and commend the 
contributions of our veterans who have bravely defended our Nation's 
founding principles throughout our history. The image of six marines 
raising the flag on the top of Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima will always 
remind us that the struggle for liberty is a story of courage, 
sacrifice, and commitment to the unshakeable belief in freedom's 
promise.
    On Flag Day, we remember the struggles and successes for which our 
flag stands. And we look to the flag as an everlasting symbol of our 
commitment to a world of peace, a Nation of principle, and a people of 
unity.
    To commemorate the adoption of our flag, the Congress, by joint 
resolution approved August 3, 1949, as amended (63 Stat. 492), 
designated June 14 of each year as ``Flag Day'' and requested that the 
President issue an annual proclamation calling for its observance and 
for the display of the Flag of the United States on all Federal 
Government buildings. The Congress also requested, by joint resolution 
approved June 9, 1966, as amended (80 Stat. 194), that the President 
annually issue a proclamation designating the week in which June 14 
occurs as ``National Flag Week'' and calling upon all citizens of the 
United States to display the flag during that week.
     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 June 14, 2002, as Flag 
Day and the week beginning June 9, 2002, as National Flag Week. I direct 
the appropriate officials to display the flag on all

[[Page 1004]]

Federal Government buildings during that week, and I urge all Americans 
to observe Flag Day and National Flag Week by flying the Stars and 
Stripes from their homes and other suitable places. I also call upon the 
people of the United States to observe with pride and all due ceremony 
those days from Flag Day through Independence Day, also set aside by the 
Congress (89 Stat. 211), as a time to honor America, to celebrate our 
heritage in public gatherings and activities, and to publicly recite the 
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of 
June, 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., June 11, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on June 13, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
June 12.