[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 19 (Monday, May 10, 2004)]
[Pages 721-722]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7779--Loyalty Day, 2004

 April 30, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    As Americans, we work to preserve the freedom declared by our 
Founding Fathers, defended by generations, and granted to every man and 
woman on Earth by the Almighty. On Loyalty Day, we are reminded that we 
are citizens with obligations to our country, to each other, and to our 
great legacy of freedom and democracy.
    We learn lessons of loyalty from the selfless dedication and 
unwavering allegiance of our men and women in uniform. We are grateful 
for their courage and willingness to sacrifice for our country, and we 
stand united behind them. Through the ``On the Homefront'' program, a 
USA Freedom Corps initiative, many Americans are writing to service 
members, contributing to the purchase of care packages to be sent 
overseas, and helping the families of those deployed with basic family 
needs such as home repairs, financial planning, and child care. By 
supporting our troops and their families, citizens are making a 
difference in their communities and showing loyalty to our country 
through their patriotism.
    America's citizens are also demonstrating their loyalty to our 
Nation through volunteer service. In answering the call to serve 
something greater than self, Americans reflect the compassion and 
decency that make our country great. Through the USA Freedom Corps, my 
Administration is providing information about volunteer opportunities to 
Americans so they can give back to their communities and help their 
fellow citizens in need. The hard work and generosity of America's 
volunteers help build a culture of service and responsible citizenship 
that strengthens America and sets a positive example for future 
generations.

[[Page 722]]

    Over the past few years, America has once again witnessed the 
loyalty and character of our citizens. We must continue to ensure that 
our young people know the great cause of freedom and why it is worth 
defending. Our Founders believed the study of history and citizenship 
should be at the core of every American's education. By encouraging 
students to learn more about American history and values, we can help 
prepare the next generation of Americans to carry our heritage of 
freedom into the future. To further this goal, my Administration has 
created initiatives such as ``We the People'' and ``Our Documents'' to 
help bring the stories and documents central to our history into the 
modern classroom.
    Loyalty Day encourages citizens to demonstrate their commitment to 
our country by supporting our military, serving each other, and teaching 
our young people about our history and values. Being an American is a 
privilege, and our patriotism is a living faith in our country's 
founding ideals and the promise of the American Dream.
    The Congress, by Public Law 85-529, as amended, has designated May 1 
of each year as ``Loyalty Day,'' and I ask all Americans to join me in 
this day of celebration and in reaffirming our allegiance to our Nation.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2004, as Loyalty Day. I call upon all 
the people of the United States to join in support of this national 
observance. I also call upon government officials to display the flag of 
the United States on all government buildings on Loyalty Day.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 4, 2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 5. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.