Gold Star Mother's Day, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
The men and women of America's Armed Forces selflessly serve to
protect our Nation, and they are among our greatest heroes. From the
trenches of World War I to the beaches of Normandy, from Korea to
Vietnam, from Afghanistan to Iraq, many courageous members of our
military have given their lives so that Americans could live in freedom
and security. On Gold Star Mother's Day, we recognize and pray for the
devoted and patriotic mothers of these men and women in uniform who have
made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our liberty.
America's Gold Star Mothers carry a great burden of grief, yet they
show a tremendous spirit of generosity in helping their fellow citizens.
With kindness and understanding, they support members of our Armed
Forces and their families, provide vital services to veterans, help to
educate young people about good citizenship and our Nation's founding
ideals, and bring comfort to many in need. We commend these proud women
for their compassion, commitment, and patriotism, and our Nation will
always honor them for their sacrifice and service.
The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49
Stat. 1895 as amended), has designated the last Sunday in September as
"Gold Star Mother's Day" and has authorized and requested the President
to issue a proclamation in its observance. On this day, we express our
deep gratitude to our Nation's Gold Star Mothers, and we ask God's
blessings on them and on their families.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 25, 2005, as Gold Star
Mother's Day. I call upon all Government officials to display the flag
of the United States over Government buildings on this solemn day. I
also encourage the American people to display the flag and hold
appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our Nation's sympathy
and respect for our Gold Star Mothers.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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