[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 38 (Monday, September 29, 2008)]
[Page 1251]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8293--Gold Star Mother's Day, 2008

 September 24, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Throughout our history, the men and women of the Armed Forces have 
put our Nation's security before their own, doing their duty in the face 
of grave danger. On Gold Star Mother's Day, we pay solemn tribute to the 
mothers of the patriots lost serving this great Nation.
    Gold Star Mothers inspire our Nation with their deep devotion to 
family and country. These extraordinary women serve their communities, 
dedicate their time to helping members of our Armed Forces and veterans, 
and bring comfort and hope to families whose loved ones laid down their 
lives in the defense of our liberty. Nothing can compensate for their 
sacrifice and loss, yet Gold Star Mothers demonstrate tremendous courage 
and resolve while working to preserve the memory and legacy of all our 
fallen heroes.
    On this day, we honor our country's Gold Star Mothers and remember 
their sons' and daughters' noble service and great sacrifice. We offer 
them our deepest gratitude and our most profound respect, and we ask for 
God's blessings to be upon them and their families.
    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.
     Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States 
of America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 28, 2008, 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 special 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 twenty-fourth 
day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 
26, 2008]

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