Gold Star Mother's Day, 2007

Proclamation 8179 of September 21, 2007

Gold Star Mother's Day, 2007

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The gift of liberty is secured by heroes who have
answered the call to serve when America needed them
most. On Gold Star Mother's Day, we honor the mothers
of the service men and women who have given their lives
in the defense of our great Nation.

America's Gold Star Mothers are remarkable patriots who
serve their communities by demonstrating good
citizenship, providing support and services to our
troops and veterans, and helping comfort the families
whose loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Their sense of duty and deep devotion to our country
inspire our Nation, and we thank them for their
compassion, determination, and strength. Though they
carry a great burden of grief, these courageous mothers
help ensure that the legacy of our fallen heroes will
be forever remembered. On this day, we offer our deep
gratitude and respect to our Nation's Gold Star
Mothers; we honor the sons and daughters who died while
wearing the uniform of the United States; and we pray
for God's blessings on them, their mothers, 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 30, 2007, 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
twenty-first day of September, in the year of our Lord
two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.