Loyalty Day, 2008

Proclamation 8245 of April 22, 2008

Loyalty Day, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Americans believe that every man, woman, and child has
unalienable rights, dignity, and matchless value.
Advancing these ideals was the honorable vision of our
Founders and the mission that helped shape this great
country. On Loyalty Day, we celebrate the legacy of
freedom and the shared ideals that bind us together.

Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast
Guardsmen demonstrate their love of country by stepping
forward when America needs them most. By putting our
country's security before their own, the men and women
of the Armed Forces have strengthened our Nation and
brought hope to millions around the world. All
Americans are grateful to the members of the military
and their families for their service, sacrifice, and
dedication, and we are proud of their accomplishments.

Through their good works, our Nation's volunteers bear
witness to their steadfast love for America, as
exemplified in their commitment to service and good
citizenship. Loyalty to this country brings with it a
commitment to aid our family, friends, and fellow
citizens all across this broad and welcoming land.
These volunteers demonstrate their gratitude for the
blessings of freedom by helping build a more hopeful
future for our children and grandchildren. All
Americans can put their loyalty into practice by
learning more about the history of our country, flying
the American flag, and contributing to our communities.

Two hundred and thirty-two years after the founding of
our country, we remain committed to advancing freedom
and renewing the values that sustain our liberty.
Through the spirit and determination of our people, our
Nation will prosper and our liberty will be secure.

The Congress, by Public Law 85-529, as amended, has
designated May 1 of each year as ``Loyalty Day.'' This
Loyalty Day, and throughout the year, I ask all
Americans to join me in reaffirming our allegiance to
our Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1,
2008, as Loyalty Day. I call upon all people of the
United States to join in support of this national
observance and to display the flag of the United States
on Loyalty Day as a symbol of pride in our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-second 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.