Citizenship Day and Constitution Week, 2002

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7594 of September 16, 2002

Citizenship Day and Constitution Week, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union,
establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common
defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty
to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution
for the United States of America.

With these words, written more than 200 years ago, our
Forefathers laid the foundations for a great Nation,
adopting a Constitution that has since proven to be an
enduring and true guide for American government. The
Constitution's powerful framework for establishing and
preserving liberty, justice, and opportunity has
enabled us to prosper as a Nation and thrive as a
people through more than two centuries of political
change, social transformation, and economic challenge.

The Founders secured the principles expressed in the
Declaration of Independence by establishing a
government that derives its power from the consent of
the American people. The government established by the
Constitution formed a remarkably resilient structure,
balancing necessary authority with inherent freedoms,
national unity with individual rights, and Federal
interests with State powers. In setting this
foundation, the Founders also recognized the potential
for necessary change. They included a constitutional
amendment process, which has proven to be a vitally
important mechanism for achieving equality and fairness
for all our citizens.

Our Constitution is sustained by Americans who daily
defend the principles of democracy and freedom. We
understand that with great privileges come great
responsibilities. Citizenship not only involves a
commitment to our Nation but also to our neighbors and
those in need. Over the past year, we have seen many
outstanding examples of selfless sacrifice, courageous
compassion, and true generosity. We remain committed to
building a culture of service and responsibility that
inspires citizens to reach out to the needy, take
leadership in improving our communities, and
participate fully in our democratic process.

Today, the United States stands as a beacon of
democracy and tolerance, inviting the nations of the
world to pursue justice, provide freedom, and protect
liberty for their people. As we face the challenges of
a new era, we remain resolved and vigilant in the
defense of life and liberty against tyranny and terror.
Drawing strength and guidance from our Constitution, we
will work to ensure that the blessings of American
liberty endure and extend for generations to come.

In remembrance of the signing of the Constitution and
in recognition of the Americans who strive to uphold
the duties and responsibilities of citizenship, the
Congress, by joint resolution of February 29, 1952 (36
U.S.C. 106, as amended), designated September 17 as
``Citizenship Day,'' and by joint resolution of August
2, 1956 (36 U.S.C. 108, as amended), requested that the
President proclaim the week beginning September 17 and
ending September 23 of each year as ``Constitution
Week.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim September
17, 2002, as Citizenship Day and September 17 through
September 23, 2002, as Constitution Week. I encourage
Federal, State, and local officials, as well as leaders
of civic, social, and educational organizations, to
conduct ceremonies and programs that celebrate our
Constitution and reaffirm our commitment as citizens of
our great Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
sixteenth 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