Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 116 Part 4.djvu/876

 116 STAT. 3304 PROCLAMATION 7594-SEPT. 16, 2002 stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 15 through September 21, 2002, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and citizens of the United States to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs in order to show our appreciation for these remarkable educational institutions, and to commend the achievements of their talented graduates. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7594 of September 16, 2002 Citizenship Day and Constitution Week, 2002 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. With these words, written more than 200 years ago, our Forefathers laid the foundations for a great Nation, adopting a Constitution that has since proven to be an enduring and true guide for American government. The Constitution's powerful framework for establishing and preserving liberty, justice, and opportunity has enabled us to prosper as a Nation and thrive as a people through more than two centuries of political change, social transformation, and economic challenge. The Founders secured the principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence by establishing a government that derives its power from the consent of the American people. The government established by the Constitution formed a remarkably resilient structure, balancing necessary authority with inherent freedoms, national unity with individual rights, and Federal interests with State powers. In setting this foundation, the Founders also recognized the potential for necessary change. They included a constitutional amendment process, which has proven to be a vitally important mechanism for achieving equality and fairness for all our citizens. Our Constitution is sustained by Americans who daily defend the principles of democracy and freedom. We understand that with great privileges come great responsibilities. Citizenship not only involves a commitment to our Nation but also to our neighbors and those in need. Over the past year, we have seen many outstanding examples of self- less sacrifice, courageous compassion, and true generosity. We remain committed to building a culture of service and responsibility that inspires citizens to reach out to the needy, take leadership in improving our communities, and participate fully in our democratic process.

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