Gold Star Mother's Day, 2006

Proclamation 8054 of September 20, 2006

Gold Star Mother's Day, 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 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.