[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: 3CFR7594]

Proc. 7594

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.

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          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.

GEORGE W. BUSH