| Gold Star Mother's Day 2002 |
| Presidential Press Releases |
Part of a series of Presidential Press Releases on the topic of women's history. Brought to you as a service by your About Guide to Women's History.
Gold Star Mother's Day, 2002
September 29, 2002
A Proclamation
By the President of the United States of America
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 responsi-bility 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.
GEORGE W. BUSH
