and represent a wonderful legacy that must be passed on to future gen erations. 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 April 23 through April 29, 2001, as National Park Week. I encourage all Americans to visit our national parks and experience America. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth 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. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7429 of April 25, 2001 Loyalty Day, 2001 By the President of the United States of America 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, 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. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7430 of April 27, 2001 National Day of Prayer, 2001 By the President of the United States of America Turning to prayer in times of joy and celebration, strife and tragedy is an integral part of our national heritage. When the first settlers landed on the rocky shores of the New World, they celebrated with prayer, and the practice has continued through our history. In 1775, the Continental Congress asked the citizens of the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a Nation. General George Washington, encamped at Valley Forge, also sought God's guidance as Americans fought for their independence. The faith of our Founding Fathers established the precedent that prayers and national days of prayer are an honored part of our American way of life. Continuing in that tradition, many of the men and women who have served at the highest levels of our Nation also have turned to prayer seeking wisdom from the Almighty. President Lincoln, who proclaimed a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" in 1863, once stated: "I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day." Today, millions of Americans continue to hold dear that conviction President Lincoln so eloquently expressed. Gathering in churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and homes, we ask for strength, direction, and compassion for our neighbors and ourselves. The theme of the 2001 National Day of Prayer is "One Nation Under God." In a prayer written specially for the occasion, Americans are asked to pray for "a moral and spiritual renewal to help us meet the many problems we face." Special observances are scheduled for all 50 States, with local volunteers planning a variety of activities including prayer breakfasts, concerts, rallies, and student gatherings. These events will bring people of all faiths together, each according to his or her own beliefs, to give thanks to the Almighty and to ask for strength and guidance. The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, has called on our citizens to reaffirm the role of prayer in our society and to honor the religious diversity our freedom permits by recognizing annually a "National Day of Prayer." 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 3, 2001, as a National Day of Prayer. I encourage the citizens of our Nation to pray each in his or her own manner, seeking God's blessings on our families and government officials and personal renewal, moral awakening, and a new spirit of harmony across our land. I urge all Americans to join in observing this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh 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. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7431 of April 30, 2001 Law Day, U.S.A., 2001 By the President of the United States of America This year marks the 44th commemoration of May 1 as Law Day, U.S.A., a national day of observance to celebrate our legal heritage. On this occasion, we reflect on the role our legal system plays in the lives of every American and how the freedoms we enjoy would not be possible without a strong and independent judiciary. The theme of this year's Law Day, "Ensuring the Rights of Victims," acknowledges our gratitude for a legal system that recognizes the importance of protecting the rights of those who are victimized by crime. This Law Day, I call upon all Americans to consider how the law, communities, and individuals can better assist and support victims of crime. We must continue to strive for a legal system in which victims receive timely and accurate information regarding offenders and relevant public proceedings. In appropriate circumstances, a victim of crime should have an opportunity for restitution. In addition, social services provided to victims of crime can give the assistance and support that victims deserve in the aftermath of crime. We are encouraged by the progress our country has made over the last three decades toward better assisting those whose lives are affected by criminal offenses. However, government and laws cannot effectively address this issue alone. More than 10,000 State- or community-based organizations provide help and hope to crime victims. I encourage Americans to celebrate, support, and consider joining these volunteers and other workers in service to their fellow citizens. Keeping faith with our commitment to the victims of crime also drives us to increased efforts to prevent crimes and effectively punish those who commit them, to ensure that similar violations are discouraged and law-abiding citizens are protected. Law Day provides an opportunity to express appreciation to professionals who accept the responsibility to serve justice. From attorneys to judges to the many other professionals working in our legal system, those who serve justice uphold the rule of law on which our democracy is built. They join with law enforcement professionals to give our people confidence to live without fear for their safety. We must each do our part to build a Nation in which civility and respect for our neighbors overwhelm the powers of injustice. As Thomas Jefferson wrote, "It is reasonable that every one who asks justice should do justice." I encourage all Americans to join with members of the legal community in protecting the rights of crime victims and in celebrating a legal system that, while not perfect, is the best the world has ever known. 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 May 1, 2001, as Law Day, U.S.A. I call upon all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also call upon Government officials to display the flag of the United States in support of this national observance. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth 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. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7432 of May 4, 2001 Older Americans Month, 2001 By the President of the United States of America In cities, towns, and communities across the United States, older Americans make countless contributions to the life of our Nation. Each year, during the month of May, Americans acknowledge in a special way the contributions of older Americans to our society. This year's theme, "The Many Faces of Aging," calls on us to recognize the richness and the promise of our rapidly increasing older population. Older adults have much to teach us, from persevering in the face of hardship to sustaining our family structure and caring for those in need. Generations of older Americans have done the hard work of building communities, places of worship, businesses, and schools, laying the foundation for our American way of life. Embodying the steadfast devotion, courage, and sacrifice that our ancestors brought to this country, older Americans continue to energize our national life. Many of these former teachers, leaders of industry, war heroes, and religious figures help new generations learn about our past by taking time out of their lives to share their experiences and to serve as role models. Their values of hard work, determination, compassion, and faith continue to benefit our families and all Americans. As we celebrate Older Americans Month, I encourage Americans to take advantage of the wisdom and experience of our elder citizens. Working in partnership with States and local organizations, my Administration is proposing that the Federal Government do more to facilitate service opportunities for seniors. My Administration is committed to improving the quality of life of our Nation's seniors, who are often burdened with concerns about health care. We will strengthen Medicare for the baby boomers and subsequent generations. We will renew the promise made to our seniors and people with disabilities by providing access to affordable prescription drugs and better options to meet their health care needs. By ensuring that our senior citizens live in comfort and security, we honor them and thank them for their service. 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 May 2001, as Older Americans Month. I call upon Federal, State, and local government officials, businesses, communities, faith-based organizations, families, health care professionals, volunteers, and all citizens of the United States to publicly reaffirm our Nation's continuing commitment to honor older Americans. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of May, 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. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7433 of May 4, 2001 Small Business Week, 2001 By the President of the United States of America Small business owners who work long hours, juggling family and career responsibilities and serving as community volunteers, are integral to our country's prosperity and to the vibrancy of our communities. These entrepreneurs are fundamental to our economy. Through the opportunities offered by the men and women who own and operate our |