[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 139 (Thursday, July 21, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
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From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-17981]


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[Federal Register: July 21, 1994]


 

                  Presidential Documents 


Federal Register
Vol. 59, No. 139
Thursday, July 21, 1994

____________________________________________________________________

Proclamation 6707--National Apollo Anniversary Observance

Title 3--
The President
                Proclamation 6707 of July 19, 1994
                National Apollo Anniversary Observance
                By the President of the United States of America
                A Proclamation

                When John F. Kennedy called upon our Nation to join him 
                in a journey to the unknown frontier of space, 
                Americans eagerly accepted the challenge. Propelled by 
                the fire that President Kennedy sparked in our 
                imaginations, the pioneering scientists of our 
                country's emerging space program sent the Apollo 11 
                astronauts on the greatest adventure humankind has ever 
                known. As the first extraordinary images of the moon's 
                surface were transmitted to Earth for all to see, we 
                began to recognize, as never before, how far the human 
                race had traveled--and how far we have yet to go.
                Today, more than 30 years after President Kennedy's 
                historic vision, America's gaze remains drawn to the 
                heavens. Space exploration has become an integral part 
                of our national character, capturing the spirit of 
                optimism and adventure that has defined this country 
                from its beginnings.
                On this 25th anniversary of the historic Apollo mission 
                to the moon, our tradition of bold discovery compels us 
                to embrace the opportunities of the dawning 21st 
                century. Although ours is a very different world than 
                that of the 1960s--one of tightening resources and 
                expanding international competition--our determination 
                to meet the future with courage guides us still.
                By advancing a program in robotic exploration using 
                smaller, less costly spacecraft, we can further expand 
                our understanding of the origins of our solar system 
                and of the universe beyond it. By renewing our 
                commitment to human space flight in concert with other 
                nations, we can strengthen the bonds of international 
                friendship, while fostering the technological 
                development that holds the key to long-term economic 
                growth. By investing in space transportation, we will 
                ensure affordable access to space for our posterity. By 
                supporting the communications and navigational systems 
                that have maintained our Nation's security, we help to 
                promote stability around the globe. By completing our 
                ``Mission to Planet Earth,'' we will gain unique 
                insight into our planet's dynamic environment. We have 
                one chance to keep our covenant with the generations to 
                come--safeguarding the thin blue shield that sustains 
                all of Earth's inhabitants.
                For when our children see tomorrow's satellite image of 
                our world from space, these are the visions we want 
                them to see--visions of communication and cooperation, 
                visions of permanence and peace. We must empower our 
                young people to venture farther into the limitless 
                frontier of space. We must encourage them to recognize 
                the vast possibilities of science and mathematics, 
                instilling in their generation the same faith in self 
                that enabled explorers of our generation to stand on 
                the soil of another world. Today's children do not, of 
                course, remember the way the world held its breath as 
                Neil Armstrong took his ``one small step.'' But they do 
                see the magic and enjoy the benefits of that journey 
                every day, from the computers they use in schools to 
                the electronic highways that connect them to friends 
                around the world.
                As we celebrate this important anniversary, our eyes 
                again turn to the horizon. We look to the future of new 
                technologies that we may better provide for our people. 
                We look to the atmospheres of distant worlds that we 
                may better protect the life's breath of our own fragile 
                planet. We aim toward the farthest reaches of our 
                universe that we may better understand ourselves. These 
                are the challenges that await us. Today, let us chart a 
                course to meet them.
                In recognition of our achievements, the Congress, by 
                Senate Joint Resolution 187, has designated July 16 
                through July 24, 1994, as ``National Apollo Anniversary 
                Observance,'' and has authorized and requested the 
                President to issue a proclamation in observance of this 
                week.
                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 16 
                through July 24, 1994, as National Apollo Anniversary 
                Observance to be celebrated with appropriate ceremonies 
                and activities. I also call upon the people of the 
                United States to observe this occasion by honoring the 
                Apollo 11 mission and all of the men and women who have 
                served in our Nation's space program.
                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                nineteenth day of July, 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 nineteenth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 94-17981
Filed 7-20-94; 10:29 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P


                Editorial note: For the President's remarks 
                commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the 
                Apollo 11 mission, see issue 29 of the Weekly 
                Compilation of Presidential Documents.