Proclamations Proc. 7573 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 June 9 through June 2002, as Great Outdoors Week. I call on all Americans to observe this week with safe and wholesome outdoor recreational activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of June, 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 Proclamation 7573 of June 7, 2002 Flag Day and National Flag Week, 2002 By the President of the United States of Arnerica A Proclamation The American flag is a beacon of hope, a symbol of enduring freedom, and an emblem of unity. Many have given their lives in its defense, and count- less men and women have worked to ensure that Old Glory continues to stand for the ideals of freedom, iustice, and equal opportunity for all. Our flag symbolizes the purpose and resolve of our Nation, first expressed by our Founders who triumphed against great odds to establish this country. Today, as we face the challenges of a new era, our flag reminds us that freedom will prevail over oppression and that good will overcome evil. Fol- lowing the attacks of September 11, Americans embraced a renewed sense of the meaning and purpose of our flag. The unforgettable images of our Nation's colors flying defiantly over the debris of the World Trade Center inspired our country with a healing hope, uniting our people in purpose and consoling those who had suffered great loss. At the Pentagon, an Amer- ican flag was hung from the building's damaged walls, expressing our col- lective resolve to rebuild and move forward. And earlier this year, during the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Americans, ioined by peace-loving people from around the world, paid trib- ute to the tattered flag that had been recovered from the ruins of the World Trade Center. As we reflect on what our flag represents, we recall the words of President Woodrow Wilson, who said iust weeks before the onset of World War I: "My dream is that, as the years go on and the world knows more and more of America, it . . . will turn to America for those moral inspirations which lie at the basis of all freedom... that America will come into the full light of the day when all shall know that she puts human rights above all other rights, and that her flag is the flag, not only of America, but of humanity." The flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write our National Anthem 188 years ago still energizes and inspires the American spirit. Since September 11, we have seen our Nation's flag appear everywhere--on cars and cloth- ing, houses and hard hats--showing our country's commitment to always remember those who lost their lives and to remain unremitting in the pur- suit of iustice. 105
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