Gold Star Mother's Day, 2002

Proclamation 7598 of September 27, 2002

Gold Star Mother's Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Throughout our rich history, many of our Nation's
dedicated military men and women have served and
sacrificed their lives to secure our country, defend
our freedoms, and preserve the values of our democracy.
Many of these heroes fell in battle, leaving behind
family, friends, and loved ones who grieve their loss
to this day. Every year, we recognize and honor mothers
who have lost sons and daughters in service to our
country--our Gold Star Mothers--and we thank them for
their strength and their contributions to our Nation.

Our Gold Star Mothers help us remember those who have
been lost by upholding the ideals for which their
children gave their lives. These brave women are
devoted to improving and enhancing the lives of those
in our Armed Forces, their families, and our veterans,
and they encourage civic education, patriotism, and the
teaching of American history. These efforts enrich the
lives of countless young Americans, and they support my
Administration's work to build a culture of service,
citizenship, and responsibility in our country.

By advancing national pride and promoting international
goodwill, Gold Star Mothers serve as models of grace
and strength. As we honor their patriotism and
dedication, we renew our commitment to upholding the
honorable legacy of their fallen children by pursuing a
future of security, liberty, and peace.

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 observance of this day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim Sunday,
September 29, 2002, 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 to hold appropriate meetings in
their homes, places of worship, or other suitable
places as a public expression of the sympathy and
respect that our Nation holds for our Gold Star
Mothers.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B