[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 4, 1994)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 22955-22956]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-10894]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: May 4, 1994]



                Editorial note: For the President's remarks to American 
                Indian and Native Alaska tribal leaders, see the Weekly 
                Compilation of Presidential Documents.


                        Presidential Documents 


                
                Proclamation 6679 of April 30, 1994

 

Law Day, U.S.A., 1994

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In 1961, when President John F. Kennedy first 
                proclaimed Law Day, U.S.A., he urged ``Americans to 
                rededicate themselves to the ideals of equality and 
                justice under law in their relations with each other 
                and with other nations. . . .''

                President Kennedy's challenge is no less urgent today. 
                We live in a time when nations around the globe are 
                struggling to break free from the darkness of 
                oppression into the light of law and justice. To many 
                of the people of these countries, the American rule of 
                law stands as a bright beacon guiding the way to a 
                hopeful future. Law Day, U.S.A., offers every American 
                the opportunity to reflect upon our Nation's proud 
                example of respect for the rights of individuals. More 
                than that, this day demands that we reaffirm our 
                commitment to maintaining a just and civil society in a 
                rapidly changing world.

                With the triumph of democratic governments and 
                judiciaries around the world, it seems particularly 
                disturbing that our own legal system is tested daily by 
                the epidemic of crime and violence here at home. In 
                America today, too many children must pass through 
                metal detectors to go to school. Too many are 
                approached by drug dealers in public parks, or worry 
                that they will be victims of drive-by shootings. The 
                primary responsibility of government is to protect the 
                freedom of its citizens and to keep them safe from 
                harm. Our tradition of jurisprudence is the powerful 
                embodiment of this ideal. But it is up to each of us to 
                help ensure that this system remains true to its 
                essential mission--freeing our people from fear while 
                protecting the liberties and rights of all.

                On this day, I urge every American to support those who 
                fight to promote respect for the law, from police 
                officers, judges, and other members of the legal system 
                to parents, teachers, and clergy. Let us find the 
                strength to insist that law prevails over disorder, 
                equality over discrimination, and justice over crime 
                and prejudice. Let reverence for the laws, in the words 
                of President Abraham Lincoln, ``be taught in schools, 
                in seminaries, and in colleges; let it be written in 
                primers, spelling books, and in almanacs; let it be 
                preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative 
                halls, and enforced in the courts of justice. . . .''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, in accordance with Public Law 
                87-20 of April 7, 1961, do hereby proclaim May 1, 1994, 
                as ``Law Day, U.S.A.'' I request the people of the 
                United States to observe this day with such ceremonies 
                and observances as will suitably signal our heritage of 
                freedom, our rights under law, and our abiding 
                commitment to assist others in vindicating their 
                rights. I urge members of the legal profession, civic 
                associations, and the media, as well as educators, 
                librarians, and public officials, to promote this 
                observance through appropriate programs and activities. 
                I further call upon all public officials to display the 
                flag of the United States on all government buildings 
                on Law Day, U.S.A., as a symbol of our dedication to 
                the rule of government under law.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord 
                nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and of the 
                Independence of the United States of America the two 
                hundred and eighteenth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)>

[FR Doc. 94-10894
Filed 5-2-94; 4:37 pm]
Billing code 3195-01-P