Presidential Documents

21629

Federal Register

Vol. 66, No. 83

Monday, April 30, 2001

Title 3—

The President

Proclamation 7429 of April 25, 2001

Loyalty Day, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Two hundred and twenty-five years ago, America’s founders faced a decisive

crossroads. Thomas Jefferson later remembered ‘‘the bold and doubtful election we were to make for our country, between submission or the sword.’’

They chose the sword, and a Nation was born.

Today, we celebrate our loyalty to this country and to the principles for

which America stands. Americans demonstrate their dedication by protecting

our Nation and its people, promoting our commonly held ideals, and passing

these values on to future generations.

Many Americans display their loyalty through careers in public service.

Members of our Armed Forces ensure that our Nation remains strong and

secure, as well as defend democracy around the world. Domestically, law

enforcement officers and the professionals working in our judicial system

maintain the peace and uphold the rule of law on which our society depends.

Countless other Americans also work to protect us from dangers that threaten

our safety and resources.

Americans have not let the dream of ‘‘a more perfect Union’’ fade with

the passing of time. Rather, each new generation, along with millions of

immigrants, has promoted ideals that lead to the archetype that the founders

envisioned. Heroes have risen to fight for freedom, abolition of slavery,

universal suffrage, civil rights, and other principles that form the foundation

of our Nation. Today, citizens across the country continue this tradition

by giving their time and effort to causes greater than themselves. Whether

through charitable, civic, or church activities, Americans demonstrate their

loyalty by working to improve our country and the lives of its people.

Perhaps the most basic and important means by which we display loyalty

to our country is by passing on to our children the hope and idealism

that is an important part of the American spirit. Parents have the important

task in ensuring that our Nation’s future leaders are prepared to assume

the responsibilities they will face. Teachers play essential roles in molding

our young people, and they deserve our gratitude and respect for their

dedication. Ministers and other mentors also give of themselves by introducing children to the vast opportunities that our Nation holds. By spending

time with a child, Americans invest in the future of our country.

Loyalty Day recognizes the solemn bond between America and its citizens.

It provides an opportunity to recognize those who demonstrate their loyalty

every day and challenges all of us to find more ways to contribute to

the greater good of our country.

The Congress, by Public Law 85–529, has designated May 1 of each year,

as ‘‘Loyalty Day,’’ and I encourage all Americans to join me this day 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 of America, do hereby proclaim May 1,

21630 Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 83 / Monday, April 30, 2001 / Presidential Documents

2001, as Loyalty Day. I call upon all the people of the United States in

support of this national observance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth

day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.

Billing code 3195

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