[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 242 (Friday, December 17, 1999)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 70563-70564]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-32828]


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                         Presidential Documents 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 242 / Friday, December 17, 1999 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 70563]]

                Proclamation 7260 of December 13, 1999

                
Bicentennial Commemoration of the Death of George 
                Washington

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Few individuals in history have had a more profound and 
                lasting effect on a nation and its people than has 
                George Washington. His character, convictions, and 
                vision shaped our Republic in its crucial formative 
                years and started us on the great American journey that 
                continues to this day.

                At every moment of challenge or peril in the early 
                history of our Nation, George Washington emerged as a 
                leader of uncommon wisdom and steadfast dedication to 
                the ideals of service. A brilliant warrior, he held 
                together a small, undisciplined army with the force of 
                his personality and the trust he inspired in his men, 
                ultimately leading them to victory in the American 
                Revolution. When the Constitutional Convention began in 
                Philadelphia in 1787, the delegates turned to George 
                Washington to lead their efforts to create a 
                Constitution for the American people. Elected 
                unanimously to preside over the Convention, Washington 
                helped to craft the blueprint for our democracy that 
                has inspired freedom-loving peoples across the globe 
                for more than 2 centuries.

                As the first President of the United States, George 
                Washington used his power wisely and with restraint, 
                recognizing that his actions would set enduring 
                precedents and traditions for the leaders who would 
                follow him. He set a steady course for our fledgling 
                Nation, keeping us free from entanglement in foreign 
                conflicts, laying the foundations for financial 
                stability and economic prosperity, maintaining a strong 
                defense to preserve our independence and security, and 
                ensuring above all the protection of Americans' rights 
                and freedoms. And, in relinquishing his office at the 
                appointed time, he established by example the peaceful 
                transition of power that has become the hallmark of our 
                democracy.

                Near midnight on December 14, 1799, America's great 
                warrior, statesman, and leader took his final breath. 
                His last words were, `` ' Tis well.'' Due in large part 
                to the early guiding hand of George Washington, it has 
                been well for our Nation ever since. Now, 200 years 
                later, as America continues its journey into a new 
                century, it is fitting that we acknowledge our enduring 
                debt to this great man.

                The Congress, by Senate Concurrent Resolution 83, has 
                requested the President to proclaim December 14, 1999, 
                as a day to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the 
                death of George Washington.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, by the authority 
                vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws 
                of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim 
                December 14, 1999, as the Bicentennial Commemoration of 
                the Death of George Washington. I call upon the people 
                of the United States to mark this day with appropriate 
                ceremonies and activities, paying tribute to the life 
                and achievements of George Washington and his 
                contributions to our Nation. As a further mark of 
                respect, I hereby order that the flag of the United 
                States shall be flown at half-staff upon all public 
                buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval 
                stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal 
                Government in the District of Columbia

[[Page 70564]]

                and throughout the United States and its Territories 
                and possessions on Tuesday, December 14, 1999. I also 
                direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff on 
                that day at all United States embassies, legations, 
                consular offices, and other facilities abroad, 
                including all military facilities and naval vessels and 
                stations.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirteenth day of December, 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-fourth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 99-32828
Filed 12-16-99; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P