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Proclamation 7546 of April 23, 2002

National Park Week, 2002

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Our national park system helps preserve our history, heritage, and the natural beauty of our Nation for the enjoyment of all our citizens and many international visitors. Thanks to our park system, many of these treasures retain their original beauty and grandeur. The parks are places for recreation, education, and reflection, and we must take care of them in a way that preserves them for posterity.

In 1872, the Congress established in the Territories of Montana and Wyoming what we all know now as Yellowstone National Park. This beautiful area later became the first to be designated as a national park. Our national park system was established in 1916 to protect and maintain our natural resources and historic sites. Today, there are 385 national parks on 84 million acres, visited annually by 280 million people from around the world.

My Administration's "National Parks Legacy Project" was initiated to ensure proper care for our national park system. Through thoughtful and diligent efforts, the National Parks Legacy Project will enhance the parks' ecosystems, improve outdoor opportunities, address infrastructure needs, and establish accountability through performance goals. The National Parks Legacy Project and other actions such as our support for the Everglades Restoration Plan and our request to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund are important steps to support existing and future parks, vital habitats, and threatened ecosystems. I have asked the Secretary of the Interior to prepare an annual report on the conditions of our national parks and to offer specific recommendations for improvements.

We must also pay tribute to the role that the dedicated 20,000 men and women of the National Park Service play in preserving our parks. Each day these professionals and more than 120,000 volunteers work to make national parks accessible, safe, educational, and well maintained. Their job is critical to the future of our parks and national treasures, and America is grateful.

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 April 22 through April 28, 2002, as National Park Week. I call upon all the people of the United States to join me in recognizing the importance of national parks and to learn more about these areas of beauty and their historical importance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentythird day of April, 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 7547 of April 26, 2002

National Day of Prayer, 2002

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Since our Nation's founding, Americans have turned to prayer for inspiration, strength, and guidance. In times of trial, we ask God for wisdom, courage, direction, and comfort. We offer thanks for the countless blessings God has provided. And we thank God for sanctifying every human life by creating each of us in His image. As we observe this National Day of Prayer, we call upon the Almighty to continue to bless America and her people.

Especially since September 11, millions of Americans have been led to prayer. They have prayed for comfort in a time of grief, for understanding in a time of anger, and for protection in a time of uncertainty. We have all seen God's great faithfulness to our country. America's enemies sought to weaken and destroy us through acts of terror. None of us would ever wish on anyone what happened on September 11th. Yet tragedy and sorrow none of us would choose have brought forth wisdom, courage, and generosity. In the face of terrorist attacks, prayer provided Americans with hope and strength for the journey ahead. God has blessed our Nation beyond measure. We give thanks for our families and loved ones, for the abundance of our land and the fruits of labor, for our inalienable rights and liberties, and for a great Nation that leads the world in efforts to preserve those rights and liberties. We give thanks for all those across the world who have joined with America in the fight against terrorism. We give thanks for the men and women of our military, who are fighting to defend our Nation and the future of civilization.

We continue to remember those who are suffering and face hardships. We pray for peace throughout the world.

On this National Day of Prayer, I encourage Americans to remember the words of St. Paul: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, 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, do hereby proclaim May 2, 2002, as a National Day of Prayer. I ask Americans to pray for God's protection, to express gratitude for our blessings, and to seek moral and spiritual renewal. I urge all our citizens to join in observing this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentysixth day of April, 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 7548 of April 30, 2002

Law Day, U.S.A., 2002

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

One of our Nation's greatest strengths is its commitment to a just, fair legal system and the protection it affords to the rights and freedoms we cherish. On May 1, we observe Law Day to draw attention to the principles of justice and the practice of law. The theme of this year's Law Day, "Celebrate Your Freedom: Assuring Equal Justice for All," acknowledges the essential task of protecting the rights of every Amer

ican.

When disputes or conflicts arise, or when persons are charged with violating the law, resolution often occurs within the legal system. Consultation with an attorney is a common first step in this process. Attorneys advise clients of their rights and obligations, suggest possible courses of action, and help their clients to understand legal procedures. Attorneys are zealous advocates on behalf of their clients, helping to ensure that each one receives full and fair representation before the courts. Bar associations and other attorney groups play an important role in maintaining the integrity of our legal system by overseeing admission to the bar and setting standards of discipline for those who practice law.

Our Founding Fathers believed that a strong and independent judiciary was a cornerstone of democracy. Judges must be men and women of skill, discernment, experience, and character who meet the highest standards of training, temperament, and impartiality. They must understand and honor the powers granted to them under the Constitution, as well as the limits on those powers. In criminal matters, judges help to ensure that the innocent remain free and the guilty are appropriately punished. In civil disputes, judges' decisions help to safeguard the stability of the commercial marketplace and address the grievances of wronged parties. Judges are called upon daily to render decisions that are based upon the law and facts of each case, without regard for popular opinion or political or other extraneous pressures.

Our forefathers imagined a well-qualified judiciary put in place through a dynamic and constructive interaction between the executive and legislative branches of Government. Under our Constitution, the President selects individuals for nomination to the Federal judiciary and the Senate provides its advice and consent. In all cases, both branches of Government strive to make certain that only men and women of the highest intellect, character, integrity, judgment, and experience are appointed to serve our Nation and its citizens in these critical positions.

This Law Day, I encourage all Americans to reflect on the vital work performed by our Federal judiciary in upholding the rule of law and on the importance of a robust and independent judiciary in our system of Government.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, in accordance with Public Law 87-20, as amended, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2002, 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 observ

ance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, 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 7549 of April 30, 2002

Loyalty Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Ours is a Nation of people who demonstrate their patriotic loyalty through service to our country. Whether born on American soil or abroad, Americans appreciate patriotism and loyalty to our country. President Woodrow Wilson said, "Loyalty means nothing unless it has at its heart the absolute principle of self-sacrifice." Americans affirmed this sense of loyalty for their homeland during and following the attacks of September 11, 2001. Brave rescuers died while saving others. Passengers on a hijacked airplane gave their lives to prevent the deaths of fellow Americans. Americans pledged to fight terrorism, both here and across the globe.

Since that tragic day, citizens across our country overwhelmingly gave their time and resources to help those in need. These countless expressions of patriotism reflect an inspiring devotion to our fellow citizens and our Nation.

For our military personnel, loyalty and dedication is a way of life. The men and women of our Armed Forces embody loyalty as they work to protect our ideals. Throughout our history, America's military has heroically defended our country and its founding principles of freedom and democracy. Today, our military is again responding to the call of duty with courage and pride. These brave individuals who risk their lives fighting terror honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the American people.

Our Constitution speaks of forming "a more perfect Union," and Americans have always responded to this call with commitment and character. Brave citizens have fought to abolish slavery, to extend voting rights to all our citizens, and to uphold civil rights. The struggle to improve our Nation also takes place on an individual level, one person at a time. Men and women of all ages and from all over the country work every day to help others in need. Through families, community groups, and places of worship, Americans give of themselves to help others realize a brighter future.

Our loyalty to American democracy and freedom is born of pride, appreciation, and understanding of our country. We are loyal to America, our fellow citizens, and these ideals. Loyalty Day provides an oppor

tunity to recognize those who demonstrate their commitment to our country through service and sacrifice. These individuals serve as a model for all Americans.

The Congress, by Public Law 85-529, as amended, has designated May 1 of each year as "Loyalty Day." On this special occasion, I encourage all Americans to join me 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, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2002, as Loyalty Day. I call upon all Americans to take part in celebrating 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 two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Proclamation 7550 of May 1, 2002

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our Nation's rich cultural diversity reflects our Constitution's core vision of freedom and justice for all. Throughout our history, Asian/Pacific Americans have made great contributions to America's heritage and prosperity. During this month, we proudly celebrate Asian/Pacific Americans, one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States, for their remarkable role in our Nation's development. Through the years, Asian immigrants and Pacific Islanders have enriched the American way of life. Nobel Prize winner Dr. Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar's groundbreaking theories on the evolution of stars helped lay the foundation for modern astrophysics. Actress Anna May Wong was one of the first Asian Americans to achieve great fame in American film. And the men of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, composed primarily of Asian/Pacific Americans, valiantly served our Nation during World War II. These units are remembered as some of the most highly decorated in U.S. military history.

During the observance of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, we celebrate the cultural traditions, ancestry, native languages, and unique experiences represented among the more than 30 ethnic groups from Asia and the Pacific found here in the United States. We also recognize millions of Asian/Pacific Americans whose love of family, hard work, and community has helped unite us as a people and sustain us as a Nation.

To honor the achievements of Asian/Pacific Americans, the Congress, by Public Law 102-450, as amended, has designated the month of May each year as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.'

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