[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 5, 1999)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 24281-24282]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-11478]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 86 / Wednesday, May 5, 1999 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 24281]]


                Proclamation 7192 of April 30, 1999

                
Loyalty Day, 1999

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Born in the twilight of the 18th century, our great 
                Nation has grown and flourished, surviving a civil war, 
                the Great Depression, two World Wars, and the Cold War 
                to emerge at the dawn of the 21st century as the 
                world's best hope for freedom. The success of that 
                journey of challenge and change was no accident. In 
                1787, when our founders came together to sign the 
                Constitution and ``secure the Blessings of Liberty,'' 
                honor individual rights, and guarantee equality, they 
                laid the foundations of a country that would inspire 
                the lasting loyalty and love of its citizens.

                The courage and sacrifice of generations of Americans 
                who have served in our Armed Forces have sustained the 
                vision of our Nation's founders. From the fields near 
                Lexington and Concord to the skies over Belgrade, 
                nearly 50 million citizens have placed themselves in 
                harm's way to defend our freedom, promote our values, 
                and advance our interests around the world. Many of 
                them have died in the process, willing to make the 
                ultimate sacrifice out of loyalty and devotion to our 
                beloved country.

                Millions of other generous men and women have proved 
                their loyalty here at home. They have enriched the 
                lives of their fellow Americans by volunteering in 
                civic, religious, and school organizations. Throughout 
                the decades, they have worked to expand America's 
                promise of justice and equality to all our people, 
                promoting civil rights, economic and educational 
                opportunity, and political empowerment. In every era, 
                they have worked to address this country's challenges 
                and renew our legacy of citizen service. In doing so, 
                they have strengthened our Nation from within and 
                provided a symbol of hope around the world for those 
                who seek refuge in a land where individual rights are 
                revered and where their children can grow up in peace 
                and freedom.

                Recognizing the importance of loyalty to the continued 
                strength of our country and success of our democracy, 
                the Congress, by Public Law 85-529, has designated May 
                1 of each year as ``Loyalty Day.'' On this day, let us 
                reflect with pride on our great country and remember 
                with gratitude the contributions of the many loyal and 
                courageous Americans who have given so much of 
                themselves both at home and around the world to 
                preserve our freedom.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 
                1999, as Loyalty Day. I urge all Americans to recognize 
                the heritage of American freedom, to honor the memory 
                of those who have served and sacrificed in defense of 
                that freedom, and to express our loyalty to our Nation 
                through appropriate patriotic programs, ceremonies, and 
                activities. I also call upon Government officials to 
                display the flag of the United States in support of 
                this national observance.

[[Page 24282]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 99-11478
Filed 5-4-99; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P