Proc. 7579 Title 3--The President more than 8,000 listed as missing in action or taken prisoner. Their distin- guished service reminds us of the words engraved on the Korean War Vet- erans Memorial in Washington--"Fmedom Is Not Free." As we face the challenges of a new era and a new war, we look to Amer- ica's Korean War veterans for their example of dedication and sacrifice in defending freedom. These men and women faced a formidable adversary and endured harsh and bitter conditions in upholding our Nation's heritage of valor, tenacity, and honor during this important stand against Com- munist aggression. For their gallantry in action, 131 servicemen earned our Nation's highest military award, the Medal of Honor. More than 90 of them received the award posthumously. Forty-nine years ago, the Military Armistice Agreement ended the fighting and stopped the spread of Communism in Korea. In order to thank and honor veterans of the Korean War and their families, America will com- memorate the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War through November l\177, 2003. Today, as the Republic of Korea stands as a strong, democratic, and progressive nation, we thank our Korean War veterans for serving our Na- tion and the world with courage and distinction. These patriots advanced the principles and ideals upon which our Nation was founded, and they helped promote liberty, opportunity, and hope. The Congress, by Public Law \17704-\1779, as amended (36 U.S.C. \17727), has des- ignated July 27, 2002, as "National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day," and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 27, 2002, as National Korean War Vet- erans Armistice Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor and give thanks to our distinguished Korean War veterans. I also ask Federal depart- ments and agencies and interested groups, organizations, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff on July 27, 2002, in memory of the Americans who died as a result of their service in Korea. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independ- ence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7579 of July 26, 2002 Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 2002 By the President of the United States of Arnerica A Proclamation The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is one of the most com- passionate and successful civil rights laws in American history. In the 12 years since President George H. W. Bush signed the ADA into law, more people with disabilities are participating fully in our society than ever be- fore. As we mark this important anniversary, we celebrate the positive ef- 112
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