[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 186 (Tuesday, September 27, 1994)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 49333-49334]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-24093]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: September 27, 1994]


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Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 6724--
Gold Star Mother's Day, 1994


                        Presidential Documents 


Federal Register
Vol. 59, No. 186
Tuesday, September 27, 1994

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Title 3--
The President
                Proclamation 6724 of September 23, 1994

 
Gold Star Mother's Day, 1994

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Americans owe a lasting debt of gratitude to those who 
                pledged their lives to secure for us the blessings of 
                liberty. We, therefore, set aside certain days during 
                the year to honor their distinguished service--Veterans 
                Day, for all who have served in our Armed Forces, and 
                Memorial Day, for those who lost their lives in that 
                service. But perhaps the greatest sacrifice of all in 
                protecting our way of life was made by another group--
                women whose sons and daughters lost their lives in 
                service to our country. These are the Gold Star Mothers 
                of America, and they have earned a special place in our 
                hearts.

                These women once experienced the anxiety of watching 
                their sons or daughters go off to war, not knowing 
                whether they would return. These mothers felt the 
                anguish of waiting for word of their loved ones. It is 
                a drama that has been played out throughout our 
                Nation's history. Sadly, in each generation, there are 
                mothers who have been called on to accept the terrible 
                truth that their son or daughter will not return. There 
                can be no doubt that these brave women--our courageous 
                Gold Star Mothers--are due our utmost respect.

                This year, the 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion 
                at Normandy, we remember especially those whose sons 
                and daughters served so valiantly during World War II. 
                Half a century later, we recall the courage, spirit, 
                and determination of those who went ashore to fight 
                against tyranny. We celebrate D-Day because there, on 
                the windswept beaches of Normandy, the first beach-head 
                for freedom was won in the most epic of all American 
                conflicts.

                Inscribed in the chapel in the American cemetery in 
                Normandy are the proud words:

                ``These endured all and gave all that justice among 
                nations might prevail, and that mankind might enjoy 
                freedom and inherit peace.''

                At the same time, our Gold Star Mothers endured all--
                and their deeply felt personal loss did not end in one 
                day. Today, as we enjoy the peace and security our 
                Nation has achieved through the sacrifices of American 
                citizens, Gold Star Mothers can take solace in knowing 
                that their sons and daughters left all humanity a 
                legacy of invaluable meaning.

                In respect and recognition of the sacrifices our Gold 
                Star Mothers have made, the Congress, by Senate Joint 
                Resolution 115 on June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895), has 
                designated the last Sunday in September as ``Gold Star 
                Mother's Day'' and has authorized and requested the 
                President to issue a proclamation in observance of this 
                day.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 
                25, 1994, as Gold Star Mother's Day. I invite the 
                American people to join with me in a fitting salute to 
                our Gold Star Mothers. I also call upon all government 
                officials to display the United States flag on 
                government buildings on this solemn day. I additionally 
                urge the American people to display the flag and to 
                hold appropriate meetings in their homes, places of 
                worship, or other suitable places, as public expression 
                of the sympathy and the respect that our Nation holds 
                for its Gold Star Mothers.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-third day of September, 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. 94-24093
Filed 9-26-94; 11:26 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P