[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 17 (Monday, May 5, 2008)]
[Pages 627-628]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8250--Law Day, U.S.A., 2008

 April 30, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    The right of ordinary men and women to determine their own future, 
protected by the rule of law, lies at the heart of America's founding 
principles. As our country celebrates the 50th anniversary of Law Day, 
we renew our commitment to the ideals on which this great Nation was 
established and to a robust system of ordered liberty.
    The American legal system is central to protecting the rights and 
freedoms our Nation holds dear. The theme of this year's Law Day, ``The 
Rule of Law: Foundation for Communities of Opportunity and Equity,'' 
recognizes the fundamental role that the rule of law plays in preserving 
liberty in our Nation and in all free societies. We pay tribute to the 
men and women in America's legal community. Through hard work and 
dedication to the rule of law, members of the judiciary and the legal 
profession help secure the rights of individuals, bring justice to our 
communities, and reinforce the proud traditions that make America a 
beacon of light for the world.

    Nearly 800 years ago, the Magna Carta placed the authority of 
government under the rule of law; centuries later, the Declaration of 
Independence and the United States Constitution marked tremendous 
advances in the march of liberty. These documents established enduring 
principles that guide modern democracies. Today, we are reminded of that 
past and look toward a hopeful future as we work to secure the liberty 
that is the natural right of every man, woman, and child.

    On Law Day, U.S.A., our Nation celebrates our belief in the equality 
of each person before God and renews our commitment to strive to bring 
America ever closer to its founding ideals.

    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, in accordance with Public Law 87-20, as amended, do hereby 
proclaim May 1, 2008, as Law Day, U.S.A. I call upon all the people of 
the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and 
activities. I also call upon Government officials to display the flag of 
the United States in support of this national observance.

    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.

                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:57 a.m., May 2, 2008]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on May 1, and it will be published in the Federal Register on 
May 6.

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