WASHINGTON, June 14 (UPI) -- Americans have the opportunity to honor the flag and thank the men and women who serve the United States, President George W. Bush said Saturday.
"As our troops continue to fight the war on terror in lands far from home, I urge all Americans to participate in Flag Day celebrations honoring American armed forces and recognizing our veterans," Bush said in his weekly radio address.
Bush said, "Our nation is strengthened every time a citizen steps forward to serve a cause greater than self-interest and each of us can serve and strengthen America by reaching out to neighbors in need."
June 14, Flag Day, commemorates the date in 1777 when the Continental Congress officially made the Stars and Stripes the symbol of the United States.
The founders declared that the 13 stars gracing the original flag represented "a new constellation," just as America represented new hope and new light for mankind, Bush added.
