Gold Star Mother's Day, 2001

Proclamation 7474 of September 28, 2001

Gold Star Mother's Day, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Since its inception, this Nation has relied upon
courageous young men and women to fight willingly for
our country's ideals. Time and again, these men and
women have secured America's liberty and prosperity. In
defense of freedom and the values Americans hold
sacred, many have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Over the
course of the last 226 years, more than 1 million
American mothers have endured the loss of a son or
daughter in service to our Nation.

In the aftermath of World War I, President Woodrow
Wilson first used the term ``Gold Star Mother.'' It
signified not only the remembrance of a young life
sacrificed in service to America, but the pride,
dignity, and devotion of one who had first given life
to that heroic young American. Since 1928, Gold Star
Mothers have sustained themselves through their
profound sorrow by lovingly serving others. From civic
education and community service, to the care of
veterans and those in need, the Gold Star Mothers
promote patriotism, serve their country, and perpetuate
the memories of their lost loved ones. Today, the
Nation's Gold Star Mothers still stand as symbols of
purpose, perseverance, and grace in the face of
personal tragedy. Each year, the Nation remembers their
sacrifice by honoring the Gold Star Mothers for their
steadfast commitment to the legacy of their fallen
children and their devotion to the United States of
America.

The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June
23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895), 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 30, 2001, as Gold Star Mother's Day. I call
upon all Government officials to display the United
States flag 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-eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord
two thousand one, and of the

Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twenty-sixth.

(Presidential Sig.)B