[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 40 (Monday, October 7, 2002)]
[Pages 1657-1658]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7598--Gold Star Mother's Day, 2002

September 27, 2002

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Throughout our rich history, many of our Nation's dedicated military 
men and women have served and sacrificed their lives to secure our 
country, defend our freedoms, and preserve the values of our democracy. 
Many of these heroes fell in battle, leaving behind family, friends, and 
loved ones who grieve their loss to this day. Every year, we recognize 
and honor mothers who have lost sons and daughters in service to our 
country--our Gold Star Mothers--and we thank them for their strength and 
their contributions to our Nation.
    Our Gold Star Mothers help us remember those who have been lost by 
upholding the ideals for which their children gave their lives. These 
brave women are devoted to improving and enhancing the lives of those in 
our Armed Forces, their families, and our veterans, and they encourage 
civic education, patriotism, and the teaching of American history. These 
efforts enrich the lives of countless young Americans, and they support 
my Administration's work to build a culture of service, citizenship, and 
responsibility in our country.

[[Page 1658]]

    By advancing national pride and promoting international goodwill, 
Gold Star Mothers serve as models of grace and strength. As we honor 
their patriotism and dedication, we renew our commitment to upholding 
the honorable legacy of their fallen children by pursuing a future of 
security, liberty, and peace.
    The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936, (49 
Stat. 1895 as amended), has designated the last Sunday in September as 
``Gold Star Mother's Day,'' and has authorized and requested the 
President to issue a proclamation in observance of this day.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 29, 2002, as Gold Star 
Mother's Day. I call upon all Government officials to display the flag 
of the United States over Government buildings on this solemn day. I 
also encourage the American people to display the flag and to hold 
appropriate meetings in their homes, places of worship, or other 
suitable places as a public expression of the sympathy and respect that 
our Nation holds for our Gold Star Mothers.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh 
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., October 2, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on September 29, and it was published in the Federal Register 
on October 3.