    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 38 (Monday, September 25, 2006)]
    [Pages 1640-1641]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 8054--Gold Star Mother's Day, 2006

    September 20, 2006

    By the President of the United States

    of America

    A Proclamation

        Since America's founding, every generation has produced patriots
    willing to sacrifice for our great Nation. Many of these proud sons and
    daughters have given everything for our freedom, and America has mourned
    the loss of every life. On Gold Star Mother's Day, we pay special
    tribute to the mothers of those lost while defending our country and
    extending the blessings of liberty to others.
        Gold Star Mothers have long borne the hardships of war with dignity
    and devotion. Through heartbreaking loss and unimaginable grief, they
    continue to support each other through difficult times, stand up for
    those wearing the uniform of the United States, and serve their
    communities in the best traditions of the American spirit. Their
    strength, compassion, and determination are an inspiration to all and a
    source of great pride for our Nation.
        America lives in freedom because of the sacrifices of America's
    finest citizens and of the mothers who raised them. In the words of
    President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944, ``There is nothing adequate
    which anyone in any place can say to those who are entitled

    [[Page 1641]]

    to display the gold star in their windows.'' Each year, this observance
    is an opportunity to offer our solemn respect to Gold Star Mothers and
    renew our ongoing pledge that America will always remember those who
    died while wearing the uniform of the United States and forever honor
    their families' sacrifice.
        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 its observance. On this day, we
    express our deep gratitude to our Nation's Gold Star Mothers, and we ask
    God's blessings on them and on their families.
        Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of
    America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 24, 2006, 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 hold
    appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our Nation's sympathy
    and respect for our Gold Star Mothers.
        In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day
    of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    first.
                                                    George W. Bush

    [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 25,
    2006]

    Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on
    September 26.