[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 26 (Monday, July 3, 2006)]
[Pages 1225-1226]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8032--Independence Day, 2006

June 26, 2006

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    On July 4, 1776, our Nation's Founders declared ``That these United 
Colonies are, and of Right, ought to be free and Independent States.'' 
This declaration marked a great milestone in the history of human 
freedom. On the 230th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of 
Independence, we pay tribute to the courage and dedication of those who 
created this country, and we celebrate the values of liberty and 
equality that make our country strong.
    The patriots of the Revolutionary War acted on the beliefs that 
``all men are created equal'' and ``that they are endowed by their 
Creator with certain unalienable Rights.'' By advancing these ideals, 
generations of Americans have unleashed the hope of freedom for people 
in every corner of the world.
    As we celebrate our independence, Americans can take pride in our 
history and look to the future with confidence. We offer our gratitude 
to all the American patriots, past and present, who have sought to 
advance freedom and lay the foundations of peace. Because of their 
sacrifice, this country remains a beacon of hope for all who dream of 
liberty and a shining example to the world of what a free people can 
achieve. May God continue to bless the United States of America.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 4, 2006, as 
Independence Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe 
with all due ceremony our Independence Day as a time

[[Page 1226]]

to honor our Founders and their legacy of freedom and remember with 
thankfulness the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-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, 8:45 a.m., June 28, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on June 
29.