FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, June 14, 2003
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The White House - Office of the Press Secretary
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President Celebrates Flag Day and Spirit of Freedom in His Weekly Radio Address |
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Radio Address by the President to the Nation
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. June 14th is Flag Day, which commemorates the
date in 1777 when the Continental Congress officially made the Stars and Stripes
the symbol of America. The founders declared that the 13 stars gracing the
original flag represented "a new constellation," just as America represented new
hope and new light for mankind.
Over the past 226 years, our flag has been a symbol of freedom wherever it
flies. It inspires hope in people suffering under tyranny or terror. It welcomes
immigrants from every land searching for a better life. And it rallies our
nation in times of conflict and crisis.
Whenever the flag is raised, Americans are reminded of our unity in the great
cause of liberty and justice for all. Our nation's flag is hung proudly in homes
an schools, honored in parades and stadiums, flown on the field of battle, and
folded at the graves of heroes.
When Francis Scott Key saw the Stars and Stripes flying over Fort McHenry in
1814, he knew that liberty would persevere. That same faith was affirmed by
Marines who planted the flag at Iwo Jima, and by the heroes of 9/11, who raised
and saluted the flag at Ground Zero.
By showing respect for our flag, we show reverence for the ideals that guide
our nation. And we show appreciation for the men and women who have served and
sacrificed in defense of those ideals -- from the early patriots of the
Continental Congress to the members of our military defending freedom around the
world today.
This weekend, in communities across the nation, Americans will have the
opportunity to honor the flag, and to thank the men and women who serve our
country in uniform. As they continue to fight the war on terror in lands far
from home, our troops rely on the support of their fellow citizens. I urge all
Americans to participate in Flag Day celebrations honoring American armed forces
and recognizing our veterans.
Our nation is strengthened every time a citizen steps forward to serve a
cause greater than self-interest. And each of us can serve and strengthen
America by reaching out to neighbors in need. There are so many ways to improve
the lives of fellow Americans -- by answering the call to feed the hungry, or
caring for the elderly, or teaching a child to read, or joining with neighbors
to support the police, fire fighters and medics who respond to emergencies.
Every action you take will strengthen the bonds of community that unite all
Americans, and extend the promise of American life to another citizen.
Between now and the 4th of July, Americans will reflect often on the
foundations of our freedom. Our country's founding generation established
liberty and justice on this continent more than two centuries ago, and every
generation is expected to protect and defend those ideals. Our duty as Americans
is to serve our country, to defend the cause of liberty, and to extend the realm
of freedom across the earth. Our generation can proudly say that we are
answering that call.
Thank you for listening.
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