For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 16, 2002
Armed Forces Day, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
The words of President Dwight D. Eisenhower written in 1953 remain
true today: "It is fitting and proper that we devote one day each year
to paying special tribute to those whose constancy and courage
constitute one of the bulwarks guarding the freedom of this nation and
the peace of the free world." On Armed Forces Day, our grateful Nation
salutes the brave men and women who protect our country, defend
freedom, and help make our world a better place.
During these extraordinary times, we are reminded that our
achievements in peace and war stand upon the service and sacrifice of
those in uniform. Today, we have troops fighting overseas to defeat
terrorism. These brave men and women follow in the footsteps of
previous generations who, since our Nation's founding, have stepped
forward to defend our homeland and secure liberty for our country and
our friends and allies. The members of our military exemplify the true
spirit of patriotism -- a love of country expressed through a
commitment to serve our Nation and defend our freedom. Their selfless
dedication and determination are an inspiration to every American.
In difficult times, America has called on members of our Armed
Forces to protect the democratic ideals on which our country was
founded, and they have never let our country down. As we confront the
challenges of this new era, we will continue to rely on our military's
extraordinary skill, sense of honor, devotion to duty, and courageous
commitment to service.
More than 50 years ago, President Harry S. Truman helped establish
a day for Americans to join together and thank our military members for
their service to our country. In 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis
Johnson announced the establishment of Armed Forces Day to replace
separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force Days. A year later,
President Truman issued a Presidential Proclamation, observing that the
day "marks the first combined demonstration by America's defense team
of its progress, under the National Security Act, towards the goal of
readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness
by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense."
The theme of this year's celebration is "United For Freedom."
During this celebration, I encourage Americans to show the world that
we are unified as a people and ready to defend our way of life, our
freedoms, and our homeland. As President and Commander in Chief, I
urge all our citizens to join me in expressing appreciation for the
dedication and selfless service of the members of our extraordinary
Armed Forces.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United
States, continuing the precedent of my ten immediate predecessors in
this Office, do hereby proclaim the third Saturday of each May as Armed
Forces Day.
I direct the Secretary of Defense on behalf of the Army, Navy,
Marine Corps, and Air Force, and the Secretary of Transportation on
behalf of the Coast Guard, to plan for appropriate observances each
year, with the Secretary of Defense responsible for soliciting the
participation and cooperation of civil authorities and private
citizens.
I invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, and other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States,
to provide for the observance of Armed Forces Day within their
jurisdiction each year in an appropriate manner designed to increase
public understanding and appreciation of the Armed Forces of the United
States.
I also invite national and local veterans, civic, and community
service organizations to join in the observance of Armed Forces Day
each year.
I call upon all Americans not only to display the flag of the
United States at their homes on Armed Forces Day, but also to learn
about our system of defense and about the men and women who sustain it
by attending and participating in the local observances of the day.
Proclamation 6693 of May 21, 1994, is hereby superseded.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day
of May, 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
# # #
|