[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 38 (Monday, September 23, 2002)]
[Pages 1560-1561]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Proclamation 7594--Citizenship Day and Constitution Week, 2002

September 16, 2002

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

      We the people of the United States, in order to form a more 
      perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, 
      provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and 
      secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do 
      ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of 
      America.
    With these words, written more than 200 years ago, our Forefathers 
laid the foundations for a great Nation, adopting a Constitution that 
has since proven to be an enduring and true guide for American 
government. The Constitution's powerful framework for establishing and 
preserving liberty, justice, and opportunity has enabled us to prosper 
as a Nation and thrive as a people through more than two centuries of 
political change, social transformation, and economic challenge.
    The Founders secured the principles expressed in the Declaration of 
Independence by establishing a government that derives its power from 
the consent of the American people. The government established by the 
Constitution formed a remarkably resilient structure, balancing 
necessary authority with inherent freedoms, national unity with 
individual rights, and Federal interests with State powers. In setting 
this foundation, the Founders also recognized the potential for 
necessary change. They included a constitutional amendment process, 
which has proven to be a vitally important mechanism for achieving 
equality and fairness for all our citizens.
    Our Constitution is sustained by Americans who daily defend the 
principles of democracy and freedom. We understand that with great 
privileges come great responsibilities. Citizenship not only involves a 
commitment to our Nation but also to our neighbors and those in need. 
Over the past year, we have seen many outstanding examples of selfless 
sacrifice, courageous compassion, and true generosity. We remain 
committed to building a culture of service and responsibility that 
inspires citizens to reach out to the needy, take leadership in 
improving our communities, and participate fully in our democratic 
process.
    Today, the United States stands as a beacon of democracy and 
tolerance, inviting the nations of the world to pursue justice, provide 
freedom, and protect liberty for their people. As we face the challenges 
of a new era, we remain resolved and vigilant in the defense of life and 
liberty against tyranny and terror. Drawing strength and guidance from 
our Constitution, we will work to ensure that the blessings of American 
liberty endure and extend for generations to come.
    In remembrance of the signing of the Constitution and in recognition 
of the Americans who strive to uphold the duties and responsibilities of 
citizenship, the Congress, by joint resolution of February 29, 1952 (36 
U.S.C. 106, as amended), designated September 17 as ``Citizenship Day,'' 
and by joint resolution of August 2, 1956 (36 U.S.C. 108, as amended), 
requested that the President proclaim the week beginning September 17 
and ending September 23 of each year as ``Constitution Week.''
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim September 17, 2002, as Citizenship Day and 
September 17 through September 23, 2002, as Constitution Week. I 
encourage Federal, State, and local officials, as well as leaders of 
civic, social, and educational organizations, to conduct ceremonies and 
programs that celebrate our Constitution and reaffirm our commitment as 
citizens of our great Nation.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day 
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 19, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 20.

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