Armed Forces Day, 2002

Proclamation 7562 of May 16, 2002

Armed Forces Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The words of President Dwight D. Eisenhower written in
1953 remain true today: "It is fitting and proper
that we devote one day each year to paying special
tribute to those whose constancy and courage constitute
one of the bulwarks guarding the freedom of this nation
and the peace of the free world." On Armed Forces
Day, our grateful Nation salutes the brave men and
women who protect our country, defend freedom, and help
make our world a better place.

During these extraordinary times, we are reminded that
our achievements in peace and war stand upon the
service and sacrifice of those in uniform. Today, we
have troops fighting overseas to defeat terrorism.
These brave men and women follow in the footsteps of
previous generations who, since our Nation's founding,
have stepped forward to defend our homeland and secure
liberty for our country and our friends and allies. The
members of our military exemplify the true spirit of
patriotism-a love of country expressed through a
commitment to serve our Nation and defend our freedom.
Their selfless dedication and determination are an
inspiration to every American.

In difficult times, America has called on members of
our Armed Forces to protect the democratic ideals on
which our country was founded, and they have never let
our country down. As we confront the challenges of this
new era, we will continue to rely on our military's
extraordinary skill, sense of honor, devotion to duty,
and courageous commitment to service.

More than 50 years ago, President Harry S. Truman
helped establish a day for Americans to join together
and thank our military members for their service to our
country. In 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson
announced the establishment of Armed Forces Day to
replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air
Force Days. A year later, President Truman issued a
Presidential Proclamation, observing that the day
"marks the first combined demonstration by
America's defense team of its progress, under the
National Security Act, towards the goal of readiness
for any eventuality. It is the first parade of
preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea,
and air defense."

The theme of this year's celebration is "United
For Freedom." During this celebration, I
encourage Americans to show the world that we are
unified as a people and ready to defend our way of
life, our freedoms, and our homeland. As President and
Commander in Chief, I urge all our citizens to join me
in expressing appreciation for the dedication and
selfless service of the members of our extraordinary
Armed Forces.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America and Commander in Chief of the
Armed Forces of the United States, continuing the
precedent of my ten immediate predecessors in this
Office, do hereby proclaim the third Saturday of each
May as Armed Forces Day.

I direct the Secretary of Defense on behalf of the
Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, and the
Secretary of Transportation on behalf of

the Coast Guard, to plan for appropriate observances
each year, with the Secretary of Defense responsible
for soliciting the participation and cooperation of
civil authorities and private citizens.

I invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico, and other areas subject to the
jurisdiction of the United States, to provide for the
observance of Armed Forces Day within their
jurisdiction each year in an appropriate manner
designed to increase public understanding and
appreciation of the Armed Forces of the United States.

I also invite national and local veterans, civic, and
community service organizations to join in the
observance of Armed Forces Day each year.

I call upon all Americans not only to display the flag
of the United States at their homes on Armed Forces
Day, but also to learn about our system of defense and
about the men and women who sustain it by attending and
participating in the local observances of the day.

Proclamation 6693 of May 21, 1994, is hereby
superseded.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
sixteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand two, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

(Presidential Sig.)B