Administration of George W. Bush, 2004 / Apr. 30 721

We remember Thurgood Marshall, the he- Proclamation 7779—Loyalty Day, roic lawyer who represented Linda Brown 2004 and fought for her rights and the rights of April 30, 2004 all African Americans. We remember the nine justices of the Supreme Court of the By the President of the United States who helped America begin to of America make equal justice under law a reality for African Americans. A Proclamation Nearly 50 years after Brown, we appre- As Americans, we work to preserve the ciate the progress America has made, but we freedom declared by our Founding Fathers, also recognize that there is still work to be defended by generations, and granted to done to ensure that our country lives up to every man and woman on Earth by the Al- the founding principle that all of God’s chil- mighty. On Loyalty Day, we are reminded dren are created equal. As we observe this that we are citizens with obligations to our and commemorate the anniversary country, to each other, and to our great leg- of Brown v. Board of Education, I encourage acy of freedom and democracy. all Americans to celebrate the great distance We learn lessons of loyalty from the self- we have traveled as a Nation and to continue less dedication and unwavering allegiance of our work to promote equality and oppor- our men and women in uniform. We are tunity for all. grateful for their courage and willingness to Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, sacrifice for our country, and we stand united President of the United States of America, behind them. Through the ‘‘On the Home- in accordance with Public Law 87–20, as front’’ program, a USA Freedom Corps ini- amended, do hereby proclaim , 2004, tiative, many Americans are writing to service members, contributing to the purchase of as Law Day, U.S.A. I call upon all the people care packages to be sent overseas, and help- of the United States to observe this day with ing the families of those deployed with basic appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also family needs such as home repairs, financial call upon Government officials to display the planning, and child care. By supporting our flag of the United States in support of this troops and their families, citizens are making national observance. a difference in their communities and show- In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set ing loyalty to our country through their patri- my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the otism. year of our Lord two thousand four, and of America’s citizens are also demonstrating the Independence of the United States of their loyalty to our Nation through volunteer America the two hundred and twenty-eighth. service. In answering the call to serve some- thing greater than self, Americans reflect the George W. Bush compassion and decency that make our coun- try great. Through the USA Freedom Corps, [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, my Administration is providing information 8:45 a.m., May 4, 2004] about volunteer opportunities to Americans so they can give back to their communities and help their fellow citizens in need. The NOTE: This proclamation was published in the hard work and generosity of America’s volun- Federal Register on May 5. This item was not re- ceived in time for publication in the appropriate teers help build a culture of service and re- issue. sponsible citizenship that strengthens Amer- ica and sets a positive example for future gen- erations.

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Over the past few years, America has once Proclamation 7780—National Day of again witnessed the loyalty and character of Prayer, 2004 our citizens. We must continue to ensure that April 30, 2004 our young people know the great cause of freedom and why it is worth defending. Our By the President of the United States Founders believed the study of history and of America citizenship should be at the core of every American’s education. By encouraging stu- A Proclamation dents to learn more about American history In his first Inaugural Address, President and values, we can help prepare the next gen- George Washington prayed that the Al- eration of Americans to carry our heritage mighty would preserve the freedom of all of freedom into the future. To further this Americans. On the , goal, my Administration has created initia- we celebrate that freedom and America’s tives such as ‘‘We the People’’ and ‘‘Our Doc- great tradition of prayer. The National Day uments’’ to help bring the stories and docu- of Prayer encourages Americans of every ments central to our history into the modern faith to give thanks for God’s many blessings classroom. and to pray for each other and our Nation. Loyalty Day encourages citizens to dem- Prayer is an opportunity to praise God for onstrate their commitment to our country by His mighty works, His gift of freedom, His supporting our military, serving each other, mercy, and His boundless love. Through and teaching our young people about our his- prayer, we recognize the limits of earthly tory and values. Being an American is a privi- power and acknowledge the sovereignty of lege, and our patriotism is a living faith in God. According to Scripture, ‘‘the Lord is our country’s founding ideals and the prom- near to all who call upon Him . . . He also ise of the American Dream. will hear their cry, and save them.’’ Prayer The Congress, by Public Law 85–529, as leads to humility and a grateful heart, and amended, has designated May 1 of each year it turns our minds to the needs of others. as ‘‘Loyalty Day,’’ and I ask all Americans On this National Day of Prayer, we pray to join me in this day of celebration and in especially for the brave men and women of reaffirming our allegiance to our Nation. the United States Armed Forces who are Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, serving around the world to defend the cause President of the United States of America, of liberty. We are grateful for their courage do hereby proclaim May 1, 2004, as Loyalty and sacrifice and ask God to comfort their Day. I call upon all the people of the United families while they are away from home. We States to join in support of this national ob- also pray that the people of Iraq and Afghani- servance. I also call upon government offi- stan, and throughout the Greater Middle cials to display the flag of the United States East, may live in safety and freedom. During on all government buildings on Loyalty Day. this time, we continue to ask God’s blessing In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set for our Nation, granting us strength to meet my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the the challenges ahead and wisdom as we work year of our Lord two thousand four, and of to build a more peaceful future for all. the Independence of the United States of The Congress, by Public Law 100–307, as America the two hundred and twenty-eighth. amended, has called on our citizens to reaf- firm the role of prayer in our society by rec- George W. Bush ognizing annually a ‘‘National Day of Prayer.’’ Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, President of the United States of America, 8:45 a.m., May 4, 2004] do hereby proclaim May 6, 2004, as a Na- tional Day of Prayer. I ask the citizens of NOTE: This proclamation was published in the our Nation to give thanks, each according to Federal Register on May 5. This item was not re- his or her own faith, for the freedoms and ceived in time for publication in the appropriate blessings we have received and for God’s issue. continued guidance and protection. I also

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