For Immediate Release
July 2, 2005

President's Radio Address

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Laura and I wish all Americans a happy Fourth of July weekend. I look forward to celebrating Independence Day with the people of Morgantown, West Virginia.

On the Fourth of July, we remember the vision and conviction of America's Founders. We remember the ideals of liberty that led men from 13 colonies to gather in Philadelphia and pen a declaration of self-evident truths. And we remember the extraordinary personal courage that made their efforts a success. Doctor Benjamin Rush said that signing the Declaration of Independence was "like signing your own death warrant." He signed it anyway -- right above his fellow Pennsylvania delegate, Benjamin Franklin.

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On Independence Day, we are also mindful that the promises of the Declaration have been secured by the service and sacrifice of every generation. America's first defenders were mostly farmers, artisans, and shopkeepers who waged a desperate fight for independence. Our Union was preserved through the costly battles of the Civil War -- including one at Vicksburg that ended on Independence Day, 1863. And we live in freedom because Americans prevailed in the hard-fought struggles of the 20th century, from the Marne and Normandy to Iwo Jima and Inchon Bay. America is home to 25 million military veterans -- and we will always be grateful for their unselfish courage.

Today, a new generation of Americans is defending our freedom against determined enemies. At posts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the world, our men and women in uniform are taking the fight to the terrorists overseas, so that we do not have to face the terrorists here at home. And by freeing millions from oppression, our Armed Forces are redeeming a universal principle of the Declaration that all are created equal, and all are meant to be free. Those who serve today are taking their rightful place among the greatest generations that have worn our nation's uniform.

The burden of war falls especially hard on military families, and I thank them for the support they give our troops in their vital work. Some of America's finest men and women have given their lives in the war on terror, and we remember them on Independence Day. We pray for the families who have lost a loved one in freedom's cause. And we know that the best way to honor the lives that have been given in this struggle is to complete the mission, so we will stay in the fight until the fight is won.

In this time of testing, all our troops and their families can know that the American people are behind them. On this Fourth of July weekend, I ask every American to find a way to thank men and women defending our freedom -- by flying the flag, sending letters to our troops in the field, and helping the military family down the street. The Department of Defense has set up a website - AmericaSupportsYou.mil. You can go there to learn about private efforts in your own community. At this time when we celebrate our freedom, we will stand with the men and women who defend us all.

In the summer of 1776, John Adams called the American Revolution "the most complete, unexpected, and remarkable of any in the history of nations." And 229 years later, history has proved him right. The Fourth of July is a day to be proud of our heritage as freedom's home and defender. It is a day to be confident in the future, because the spirit of our founders still shapes the conscience of our country. Above all, it is a day to give thanks to God for His many blessings on America, and for the privilege to call ourselves citizens of this special land.

I hope all Americans enjoy a memorable and safe Independence Day celebration. Thank you for listening.

President George W. Bush greets the crowd at the Fourth of July Celebration on the steps of the Capitol in Charleston, West Virginia on Independence day, 2004. White House photo by Tina Hager

Independence Day, 2005

July 1, 2005

Since July 4, 1776, Americans have experienced freedom's power to overcome tyranny, inspire hope in times of trial, and turn the creative gifts of men and women to the pursuits of peace. Across generations, our Nation has defended and advanced liberty.

The words of our Founding Fathers first guided a country of 4 million souls, yet they put large events in motion. When the Liberty Bell sounded at the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, one who witnessed the birth of freedom in our country said, "It rang as if it meant something." In our time it means something still. America continues to proclaim liberty throughout the world, and we remain a country full of hope and promise where opportunity thrives, where all stand equal before the law, and where our freedoms are celebrated.

Americans live in freedom because of the enduring power of our ideals. In the midst of World War II, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt reminded our troops that our Nation believes in the "right to liberty under God -- for all peoples and races and groups and nations, everywhere in the world." Today, a new generation of Americans continues to defend our Nation and spread freedom. On this Fourth of July, we honor the brave men and women of our military, and their families, and we express our gratitude for their courage, dedication to duty, and love of country.

Laura and I send our best wishes to all Americans on Independence Day. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless America.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Flag Day and National Flag Week, 2005

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

For more than two centuries, the flag of the United States has been a symbol of hope and pride. The flag has inspired our citizens during times of conflict and comforted us during moments of sorrow and loss. On Flag Day and throughout National Flag Week, we celebrate the proud legacy of Old Glory and reflect on this enduring symbol of freedom.

President Celebrates Independence Day

July 4, 2004

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. They got the best seat in the house. (Laughter.) Glad you all are here. Thanks for coming. Happy 4th of July. (Applause.) I am thrilled to be back in your great state to celebrate once again Independence Day -- (applause) -- this time in the capital of the Mountain State, the great city of Charleston, West Virginia. (Applause.) I appreciate the good people of this state. You work hard, you look after your neighbors, and you love your country. (Applause.) And you sure know how to make a President feel welcome. Thank you all. (Applause.)

Independence Day 2004 Proclamation

July 2, 2004

On Independence Day, we remember names like Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin --and we honor their courage and vision. We are grateful that our Founders pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to create an independent America. And we are thankful that this Nation under God is still free, independent, and the best hope of mankind.

Declaration of Independence

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

Independence Timeline

1765-1773
The British Parliament bypasses colonial assemblies and imposes several internal and external taxes on the outraged colonists.

Dec. 16, 1773
The colonial response to taxation without representation culminates in the Boston Tea Party. The Sons of Liberty dump 342 chests of tea into Boston harbor.

Sept. 5, 1774
Delegates begin meeting for the First Continental Congress and agree to send grievances to King George III.

April 19, 1775
Armed conflict between the colonists and British redcoats begins in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts.

May 10, 1775
A Second Continental Congress begins meeting in Philadelphia.

June 11, 1776
The Continental Congress appoints a five-man committee, including Thomas Jefferson, to draft a declaration of independence.

June 28, 1776
The committee presents the declaration for debate and revision.

July 4, 1776
The Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence without dissent.

Photo Essays

Related Links

Independence Day 2004

National Archives & Records Administration (NARA)

Library of Congress: Declaring Independence: Drafting the Documents

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

WHEN TO FLY THE U.S. FLAG

The U.S. flag can be flown everyday of the year. If it is flown for 24 hours, it should be illuminated so the flag is not in complete darkness. The flag should especially be flown on the following days:

New Year's Day, January 1
Inauguration Day, January 20
Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday, third Monday in January
Lincoln's Birthday, February 12
Washington Birthday, third Monday in February
Easter Sunday, varies yearly
Mother's Day, second Sunday in May
Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), last Monday in May
Flag Day, June 14
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, first Monday in September
Constitution Day, September 17
Columbus Day, second Monday in October
Navy Day, October 27
Veterans Day, November 11
Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day, December 25
All days declared by the President
State holidays

WHEN TO FLY THE U.S. FLAG AT HALF-STAFFED (SUNRISE TO SUNSET)

Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), last Monday in May
National Korean War Armistice Day, July 27
Patriot Day, September 11
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7

FLAG ETIQUETTE

Here are some of the rules for proper display and use of the U.S. flag, as established by generally accepted custom and by Public Law 94-344 approved by Congress and signed by the President in 1976. The Flag Code does not impose penalties for the misuse of the flag. Such penalties are determined by the individual states and the District of Columbia.

STANDARDS OF RESPECT

The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. They are:

The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.

The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.

When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

HOW TO FOLD THE U.S. FLAG

CARING FOR THE FLAG

-If soiled, the flag may be washed or dry cleaned

-When torn or frayed but not faded, the flag may be mended.

-A worn or faded flag should be retired with respect. Fold the flag and place it on a fire. The ashes should then be buried.

-Some VFW Posts and other community groups collect worn flags and conduct a retirement ceremony. Check in your community for who conducts the ceremony.

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