[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 23 (Monday, June 12, 2006)]
[Pages 1089-1090]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8029--Flag Day and National Flag Week, 2006

 June 6, 2006

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    From our Nation's earliest days, Old Glory has stood for America's 
strength, unity, and liberty. During Flag Day and National Flag Week, we 
honor this enduring American symbol and celebrate the hope and ideals 
that it embodies.
    In 1777, the Second Continental Congress established the flag of a 
young Nation, whose 13 original states were represented in the flag's 13 
stars and 13 alternating red and white stripes. Today, the Stars and 
Stripes commemorate the revolutionary truths of our Declaration of 
Independence and Constitution. As Americans, we revere freedom and 
equality, the rights and dignity of every individual, and the supremacy 
of the rule of law. These fundamental beliefs have guided our country 
and lifted the fortunes of all Americans, and we have seen their power 
to transform other nations and deliver hope to people around the world.
    During Flag Day and National Flag Week, we also honor the men and 
women who carry our flag into battle. Through their bravery and 
sacrifice, they help keep America safe and advance peace and freedom 
around the globe. By flying the flag, we express our gratitude to these 
heroes and all those who help ensure that the many blessings of our 
great country continue for generations to come.
    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 
issue annually a proclamation designating the week in which June 14 
occurs as ``National Flag Week'' and calling upon all citizens of

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the United States to display the flag during that week.
     Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States 
of America, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2006, as Flag Day and the week 
beginning June 11, 2006, as National Flag Week. I direct the appropriate 
officials to display the flag on all 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 sixth day of 
June, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:47 a.m., June 8, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on June 9.