Flag Day and National Flag Week, 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
From our Nation's earliest days, Old Glory has stood for America's
strength, unity, and liberty. During Flag Day and National Flag Week, we
honor this enduring American symbol and celebrate the hope and ideals
that it embodies.
In 1777, the Second Continental Congress established the flag of a
young Nation, whose 13 original states were represented in the flag's 13
stars and 13 alternating red and white stripes. Today, the Stars and
Stripes commemorate the revolutionary truths of our Declaration of
Independence and Constitution. As Americans, we revere freedom and
equality, the rights and dignity of every individual, and the supremacy
of the rule of law. These fundamental beliefs have guided our country
and lifted the fortunes of all Americans, and we have seen their power
to transform other nations and deliver hope to people around the world.
During Flag Day and National Flag Week, we also honor the men and
women who carry our flag into battle. Through their bravery and
sacrifice, they help keep America safe and advance peace and freedom
around the globe. By flying the flag, we express our gratitude to these
heroes and all those who help ensure that the many blessings of our
great country continue for generations to come.
To commemorate the adoption of our flag, the Congress, by joint
resolution approved August 3, 1949, as amended (63 Stat. 492),
designated June 14 of each year as "Flag Day" and requested that the
President issue an annual proclamation calling for its observance and
for the display of the flag of the United States on all Federal
Government buildings. The Congress also requested, by joint resolution
approved June 9, 1966, as amended (80 Stat. 194), that the President
issue annually a proclamation designating the week in which June 14
occurs as "National Flag Week" and calling upon all citizens of the
United States to display the flag during that week.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2006, as Flag Day and the week
beginning June 11, 2006, as National Flag Week. I direct the appropriate
officials to display the flag on all Federal Government buildings during
that week, and I urge all Americans to observe Flag Day and National
Flag Week by flying the Stars and Stripes from their homes and other
suitable places. I also call upon the people of the United States to
observe with pride and all due ceremony those days from Flag Day through
Independence Day, also set aside by the Congress (89 Stat. 211), as a
time to honor America, to celebrate our heritage in public gatherings
and activities, and to publicly recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag of the United States of America.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of
June, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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