Loyalty Day, 2001

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Part VIII

The President

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Proclamation 7429--Loyalty Day, 2001

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7429 of April 25, 2001

Loyalty Day, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Two hundred and twenty-five years ago, America's
founders faced a decisive crossroads. Thomas Jefferson
later remembered ``the bold and doubtful election we
were to make for our country, between submission or the
sword.'' They chose the sword, and a Nation was born.

Today, we celebrate our loyalty to this country and to
the principles for which America stands. Americans
demonstrate their dedication by protecting our Nation
and its people, pro moting our commonly held ideals,
and passing these values on to future generations.

Many Americans display their loyalty through careers in
public service. Members of our Armed Forces ensure that
our Nation remains strong and secure, as well as defend
democracy around the world. Domestically, law
enforcement officers and the professionals working in
our judicial system maintain the peace and uphold the
rule of law on which our society depends. Countless
other Americans also work to protect us from dangers
that threaten our safety and resources.

Americans have not let the dream of ``a more perfect
Union'' fade with the passing of time. Rather, each new
generation, along with millions of immigrants, has
promoted ideals that lead to the archetype that the
founders envisioned. Heroes have risen to fight for
freedom, abolition of slavery, universal suffrage,
civil rights, and other principles that form the
foundation of our Nation. Today, citizens across the
country continue this tradition by giving their time
and effort to causes greater than themselves. Whether
through charitable, civic, or church activities,
Americans demonstrate their loyalty by working to
improve our country and the lives of its people.

Perhaps the most basic and important means by which we
display loyalty to our country is by passing on to our
children the hope and idealism that is an important
part of the American spirit. Parents have the important
task in ensuring that our Nation's future leaders are
prepared to assume the responsi bilities they will
face. Teachers play essential roles in molding our
young people, and they deserve our gratitude and
respect for their dedication. Ministers and other
mentors also give of themselves by introducing children
to the vast oppor tunities that our Nation holds. By
spending time with a child, Americans invest in the
future of our country.

Loyalty Day recognizes the solemn bond between America
and its citizens. It provides an opportunity to
recognize those who demonstrate their loyalty every day
and challenges all of us to find more ways to
contribute to the greater good of our country.

The Congress, by Public Law 85-529, has designated May
1 of each year, as ``Loyalty Day,'' and I encourage all
Americans to join me this day in reaffirming our
allegiance to our blessed Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1,

2001, as Loyalty Day. I call upon all the people of the
United States in support of this national observance.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B