Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 118.djvu/4174

 118 STAT. 4144 PROCLAMATION 7796—JUNE 12, 2004 Outdoor recreation is an ideal way to exercise and enjoy memorable experiences with family and friends, and all across our country are sce- nic places that sports and nature enthusiasts can explore and help keep beautiful. During Great Outdoors Month and throughout the year, I en- courage Americans to go camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, bird watch- ing, boating, or to participate in other outdoor activities that are part of a healthy lifestyle. The true strength of our Nation lies in the hearts and souls of our citi- zens, and I urge all Americans not only to visit our parks and recre- ation areas, but also to volunteer their time and talents to help main- tain the beauty of our environment. Good stewardship of the environ- ment is not just a personal responsibility, it is a public value; and citi- zens who lend a hand to local parks and public lands are vital to the preservation of our Nation’s many special places. Americans can take pride in the remarkable progress we continue to make in conserving our environment and natural resources. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2004 as Great Outdoors Month. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies and activities and to participate in safe and enjoyable outdoor recreation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and twen- ty-eighth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7796 of June 12, 2004 Flag Day and National Flag Week, 2004 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For more than 200 years, the American flag has served as a symbol of our country’s enduring freedom and unity. Old Glory has welcomed generations of immigrants to America’s shores and is displayed proud- ly on homes, at schools, and over businesses across our country. Dur- ing times of war, our flag has rallied our citizens to defend the bless- ings of liberty at home and abroad. It has accompanied our troops into battle and been given to grieving families at the grave sites of fallen heroes. Today, as our brave men and women in uniform fight terrorism and advance freedom, the flag inspires patriotism and pride across our Nation and around the world. Each year on June 14, we honor the American flag and recall the adop- tion of our first official national flag by the Continental Congress in 1777. The first Flag Day observances began quietly in the 19th century as State and local celebrations recognizing the anniversary of the Stars and Stripes. Inspired by these patriotic gatherings, President Woodrow Wilson established the first national observance by proclamation in 1916. To commemorate the adoption of our flag, the Congress, by joint VerDate 11-MAY-2000 15:04 Nov 10, 2005 Jkt 029194 PO 00000 Frm 00110 Fmt 8087 Sfmt 8087 C:\STATUTES\2004\29194PT4.004 APPS10 PsN: 29194PT4

�