[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 25 (Monday, June 23, 2003)]
[Page 763]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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The President's Radio Address

June 14, 2003

    Good morning. June 14th is Flag Day, which commemorates the date in 
1777 when the Continental Congress officially made the Stars and Stripes 
the symbol of America. The Founders declared that the 13 stars gracing 
the original flag represented ``a new constellation,'' just as America 
represented a new hope and a new light for mankind.
    Over the past 226 years, our flag has been a symbol of freedom 
wherever it flies. It inspires hope in people suffering under tyranny or 
terror. It welcomes immigrants from every land searching for a better 
life, and it rallies our Nation in times of conflict and crisis.
    Whenever the flag is raised, Americans are reminded of our unity in 
the great cause of liberty and justice for all. Our Nation's flag is 
hung proudly in homes and schools, honored in parades and stadiums, 
flown on the field of battle, and folded at the graves of heroes.
    When Francis Scott Key saw the Stars and Stripes flying over Fort 
McHenry in 1814, he knew that liberty would persevere. That same faith 
was affirmed by marines who planted the flag at Iwo Jima and by the 
heroes of 9/11 who raised and saluted the flag at Ground Zero.
    By showing respect for our flag, we show reverence for the ideals 
that guide our Nation. And we show appreciation for the men and women 
who have served and sacrificed in defense of those ideals, from the 
early patriots of the Continental Congress to the members of our 
military defending freedom around the world today.
    This weekend, in communities across the Nation, Americans will have 
the opportunity to honor the flag and to thank the men and women who 
serve our country in uniform. As they continue to fight the war on 
terror in lands far from home, our troops rely on the support of their 
fellow citizens. I urge all Americans to participate in Flag Day 
celebrations honoring American Armed Forces and recognizing our 
veterans.
    Our Nation is strengthened every time a citizen steps forward to 
serve a cause greater than self-interest. And each of us can serve and 
strengthen America by reaching out to neighbors in need. There are so 
many ways to improve the lives of fellow Americans, by answering the 
call to feed the hungry or caring for the elderly or teaching a child to 
read or joining with neighbors to support the police, fire fighters, and 
medics who respond to emergencies. Every action you take will strengthen 
the bonds of community that unite all Americans and extend the promise 
of American life to another citizen.
    Between now and the Fourth of July, Americans will reflect often on 
the foundations of our freedom. Our country's founding generation 
established liberty and justice on this continent more than two 
centuries ago, and every generation is expected to protect and defend 
those ideals. Our duty as Americans is to serve our country, to defend 
the cause of liberty, and to extend the realm of freedom across the 
Earth. Our generation can proudly say that we are answering that call.
    Thank you for listening.

Note: The address was recorded at 10:05 a.m. on June 12 in the Cabinet 
Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on June 14. The 
transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on 
June 13 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office of 
the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of this 
address.