[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7549]

Proc. 7549

Proclamation 7549 of April 30, 2002

Loyalty Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

          Ours is a Nation of people who demonstrate their patriotic 
          loyalty through service to our country. Whether born on 
          American soil or abroad, Americans appreciate patriotism and 
          loyalty to our country. President Woodrow Wilson said, 
          ``Loyalty means nothing unless it has at its heart the 
          absolute principle of self-sacrifice.'' Americans affirmed 
          this sense of loyalty for their homeland during and following 
          the attacks of September 11, 2001. Brave rescuers died while 
          saving others. Passengers on a hijacked airplane gave their 
          lives to prevent the deaths of fellow Americans. Americans 
          pledged to fight terrorism, both here and across the globe.
          Since that tragic day, citizens across our country 
          overwhelmingly gave their time and resources to help those in 
          need. These countless expressions of patriotism reflect an 
          inspiring devotion to our fellow citizens and our Nation.

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          For our military personnel, loyalty and dedication is a way of 
          life. The men and women of our Armed Forces embody loyalty as 
          they work to protect our ideals. Throughout our history, 
          America's military has heroically defended our country and its 
          founding principles of freedom and democracy. Today, our 
          military is again responding to the call of duty with courage 
          and pride. These brave individuals who risk their lives 
          fighting terror honor those who have made the ultimate 
          sacrifice on behalf of the American people.
          Our Constitution speaks of forming ``a more perfect Union,'' 
          and Americans have always responded to this call with 
          commitment and character. Brave citizens have fought to 
          abolish slavery, to extend voting rights to all our citizens, 
          and to uphold civil rights. The struggle to improve our Nation 
          also takes place on an individual level, one person at a time. 
          Men and women of all ages and from all over the country work 
          every day to help others in need. Through families, community 
          groups, and places of worship, Americans give of themselves to 
          help others realize a brighter future.
          Our loyalty to American democracy and freedom is born of 
          pride, appreciation, and understanding of our country. We are 
          loyal to America, our fellow citizens, and these ideals. 
          Loyalty Day provides an opportunity to recognize those who 
          demonstrate their commitment to our country through service 
          and sacrifice. These individuals serve as a model for all 
          Americans.
          The Congress, by Public Law 85-529, as amended, has designated 
          May 1 of each year as ``Loyalty Day.'' On this special 
          occasion, I encourage all Americans to join me 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, do hereby 
          proclaim May 1, 2002, as Loyalty Day. I call upon all 
          Americans to take part in celebrating this national 
          observance.
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth 
          day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of 
          the Independence of the United States of America the two 
          hundred and twenty-sixth.

GEORGE W. BUSH