Proclamation 7530 of March 6, 2002 Women's History Month, 2002 By the President of the United States of America Women's History Month provides our country the privilege of honoring the countless contributions that American women have made throughout our history. These contributions have enriched our culture, strengthened our Nation, and furthered the Founders' vision for a free and just Republic that provides opportunity and safety at home and is an influence for peace around the world. Since its beginnings, our land has been blessed by noteworthy women who played defining roles in shaping our Nation. Sakajawea was a Native American woman who befriended the explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, 150 years ago as they crossed the great Northwest. She helped Lewis and Clark's expedition complete the first successful overland transcontinental journey. Lucretia Mott courageously wrote and spoke against slavery and the lack of equal rights for women, helping America recognize the inherent wrong in the institutional subjugation of others and the need to strive for equality, freedom, and justice for all. Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman in America awarded a medical degree, and she dedicated her pioneering efforts as a physician to helping others. Helen Keller overcame debilitating physical disabilities, showing us the power of a determined human spirit. And Clara Barton developed a vision for helping others through her service to the wounded during the Civil War; and she realized that vision by founding the American Red Cross after the war, an organization that has since become renowned for its effectiveness in helping those who suffer or are in need. Recently, the Red Cross reached out to aid Afghan women traumatized by the repressive rule of the intolerant Taliban regime, which for years had mercilessly oppressed Afghanistan and Afghan women in particular. Today, thousands of American women are furthering the cause of freedom through service in government, the military, and other organizations, as we seek to defeat terrorism and bring justice to those responsible for the September 11 attacks. The history of American women is an expansive story of outstanding individuals who sacrificed much and worked hard in pursuit of a better world, where peace, dignity, and opportunity can reign. The spirit of loving determination that shaped these pursuits continues to serve as an example to those who seek to better our Nation. American women of strength, vision, and character have long influenced our country by contributing their time, efforts, and wisdom in vastly diverse ways to improve and enhance our government and communities, our schools and religious institutions, our businesses and the military, and the arts and sciences. Women also have fundamentally shaped our civilization in the care and nurturing of families. Today, women in contemporary America are furthering the Founders' vision by working to advance freedom, increase equality, and administer justice in every corner of our land, through their everyday work in schoolrooms, boardrooms, courtrooms, homes, and communities. As President, I am proud to recognize the many contributions American women have made to help make our Nation free, strong, and a force for peace and justice around the world. On this observance of Women's History Month, I encourage every American to learn more about these important contributions, and to celebrate their noble legacies as we work to build a brighter future for our Nation and for all of the world's people. 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 March 2002 as Women's History Month. I call upon all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of March, 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 7531 of March 11, 2002 Bicentennial Day of the United States Military Academy at West Point, 2002 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For two centuries, the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, has trained, educated, and inspired thousands of cadets to serve our Nation with integrity, skill, and fortitude as members of our military's officer corps. West Point emphasizes the very highest standards of personal honor, academic achievement, and public duty, preparing its graduates for lives of patriotic commitment and distinguished service. Since the school's beginnings, West Point alumni have played an immensely important role in protecting our national security and preserving democracy around the world. Upon this 200th anniversary of the Academy's founding, we celebrate West Point's great contributions to the success and strength of America. We pay tribute to the Academy's extraordinary tradition of valor, victory, and sacrifice. This hallowed history is filled with the names of soldiers who fought and sometimes died to preserve and protect the founding principles of our country, ensuring that we can live today in a free and democratic Republic. On March 16, 1802, President Thomas Jefferson signed an Act of Congress establishing the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Since its inception, the institution has played a central role in the training of America's future military leaders. And West Point graduates have marked our history with courage beyond the call of duty; integrity that brought honor to themselves, their school, and their Nation; and military skills that achieved victory after victory. Academy graduates have long fulfilled West Point's noble tradition of selfless service to country. General John J. Pershing led the American Expeditionary Force to victory in World War I. And in World War II, Generals Dwight Eisenhower, Omar Bradley, Douglas MacArthur, and George Patton proved again the resourcefulness, bravery, and skill of West Point's graduates, helping to lead the Allies to victory over tyranny. In Korea and Vietnam, during Operation Desert Storm, and now in Operation Enduring Freedom, West Point graduates, like Generals Brent Scowcroft, Roscoe Robinson, H. Norman Schwarzkopf, and Franklin "Buster" Hagenbeck, have continued to make significant contributions and great sacrifices for America and her people. And the graduates of West Point continue to be prepared to make the greatest sacrifice. We remember with deep respect and honor, the sacrifice made by Academy graduate, Major Curtis Feistner, who recently gave his life in the fight against terror. As part of the 200th anniversary of the United States Military Academy, I encourage all Americans to reflect on the Academy's incomparable history of contribution to our country's national security and to remember the West Point graduates who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom. The Academy's role in protecting our homeland and in shaping our next generation of battlefield leaders deserves the gratitude and respect of every American. I am pleased to pay tribute to this noble school upon the occasion of its historic anniversary; and I am honored to be serving today as Commander in Chief of so many of its fine graduates. 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 March 16, 2002, as West Point Bicentennial Day. I encourage Federal, State, and local officials, as well as leaders of civil, social, educational, and military organizations, to conduct ceremonies and programs that celebrate the United States Military Academy and the values it represents and upholds. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of March, 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 7532 of March 14, 2002 National Poison Prevention Week, 2002 By the President of the United States of America In 1961, the Congress established the annual observance of National Poison Prevention Week. Forty-one years later, this event continues to educate Americans about the dangers of childhood poisonings and to promote measures that help prevent such poisonings. These measures and other poison awareness efforts have helped reduce deaths from childhood poisonings by more than 90 percent since 1962. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, more than 1 million children each year are exposed to potentially poisonous medicines and household chemicals. In an effort to put an end to tragic accidents, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission requires child-resistant packaging for many medicines and household chemicals. But this special packaging is "child-resistant,” not "child-proof." For this reason, it is essential to keep potential poisons locked up and away from children. Members of the Poison Prevention Week Council, representing 36 national organizations, work every year to organize events during this special week to raise awareness of unintentional poisonings, as well as to illustrate the steps that can be taken to prevent them. Coalition members believe every poisoning is preventable. Group members encourage Americans to use and properly reclose child-resistant packaging, keep poisonous substances secured and out of the reach of children, and keep the poison center telephone number, 1-800-222-1222, nearby in case of an emergency. This new nationwide number connects callers to medical experts that provide immediate treatment advice for poison emergencies. These centers are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To encourage Americans to learn more about the dangers of unintentional poisonings and to take more preventive measures, the Congress, by joint resolution approved September 26, 1961, as amended (75 Stat. 681), has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the third week of March each year as "National Poison Prevention Week.' NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 17 through 23, 2002, as National Poison Prevention Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week by participating in appropriate ceremonies and activities and by learning how to prevent poisonings among children. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of March, 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 7533 of March 21, 2002 National Bone and Joint Decade, 2002-2011 By the President of the United States of America Living a life free from daily bone pain or joint discomfort is something most people take for granted. Our bones, joints, and connective tissues are the structure upon which all other systems of the body depend. They give us strength, mobility, protection, and stability. And they permit us to perform a great variety of physical activities that shape our daily lives. |