Law Day, U.S.A., 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
America's legal system is central to protecting the constitutional
principles on which our Nation was founded. As we observe Law Day, we
celebrate our heritage of freedom, justice, and equality under the law.
This year's Law Day theme, "Liberty Under Law: Separate Branches,
Balanced Powers," honors the wisdom of the separation of powers that the
Framers of our Constitution established for the Federal Government.
Delegates to the Constitutional Convention recognized the risks that
accompany the concentration of power and devised a system in which the
Federal Government's authorities are divided among three independent
branches. James Madison highlighted the importance of our Constitution's
separation of powers when he wrote, "the accumulation of all powers,
legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands . . . may
justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny."
Throughout our Nation's history, we have been reminded repeatedly of
the wisdom of the Framers' design. Our system of separation of powers
has safeguarded our liberties and helped ensure that we remain a
government of laws. Law Day is an occasion for us to celebrate our
Constitution and to honor those in the judiciary and legal profession
who work to uphold and serve its principles.
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, 2006, 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 twenty eighth
day of April, 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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