Text 4070, 69 rader
Skriven 2007-02-16 23:31:08 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0702161) for Fri, 2007 Feb 16
====================================================

===========================================================================
275th Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington
===========================================================================

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 16, 2007

275th Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington
A Proclamation by the President of the United States


˙˙˙˙˙ George Washington

Two hundred seventy-five years after the birth of George Washington, we
honor the life and legacy of a surveyor from Virginia who became Commander
of the Continental Army, a major force at the Constitutional Convention,
and the first President of the United States of America.

Remembered by the Congress as "first in war, first in peace, and first in
the hearts of his countrymen," George Washington dedicated his life to the
success of America. During the Revolutionary War, Washington's small band
of hungry soldiers faced the professional army of a great empire, and his
unshakable vision for a new democracy proved a powerful inspiration to his
troops. Knowing that the outcome of their struggle would determine "the
destiny of unborn Millions," Washington led his often ragged forces beyond
incredible hardships into battle and on to victory with strength,
steadfastness, and a quiet confidence.

The triumphant General treasured his brief time at home, but his devotion
to duty and belief in the promise of a more perfect Union lured Washington
from Mount Vernon. He presided over the Constitutional Convention with
wisdom, diplomacy, and humility and helped form the working model of our
democracy. When the Constitution was ratified, America again turned to a
beloved and proven leader, electing George Washington as the first
President of the United States.

As we celebrate the life of George Washington and his contributions to the
American experiment, we can also take pride in our stewardship of the
Republic he forged. Today, he would see in America the world's foremost
champion of liberty -- a Nation that stands for freedom for all, a Nation
that stands with democratic reformers, and a Nation that stands up to
tyranny and terror. On his 275th birthday, George Washington would see an
America fulfilling the promise of her Founders, honoring the durable wisdom
of our Constitution, and moving forward in the world with confidence,
compassion, and strength.

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 February 22, 2007, as the
275th Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington. I encourage all
Americans to join me in honoring the Father of our Country with appropriate
civic and service programs and activities in remembrance of George
Washington and with gratitude for all he gave for his country.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of
February, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # #
===========================================================================
Return to this article at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/02/20070216-1.html

 * Origin: (1:3634/12)