[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 117 (Friday, June 16, 2000)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 37687-37688]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-15417]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 117 / Friday, June 16, 2000 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 37687]]

                Proclamation 7322 of June 13, 2000

                
225th Anniversary of the United States Army

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress 
                authorized the enlistment of ten companies of riflemen 
                in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia as the first 
                units of the Continental Army. Few could have foreseen 
                that this small band of citizen-soldiers would lay the 
                cornerstone of freedom for our Nation and the 
                foundation for what would become the finest army in the 
                world.

                For 225 years, in war and in peace, every generation of 
                American soldiers has served our Nation with unwavering 
                courage, skill, and commitment. The first soldiers of 
                the Continental Army gave life to the United States of 
                America in 1776. In the following century, the Army 
                protected our new country's frontiers and preserved our 
                Union through the terrible strife of the Civil War. In 
                the 20th century, American soldiers fought and died in 
                two World Wars to defend democracy and win the global 
                struggle against fascism. And, for the last half of the 
                20th century, in Korea and Vietnam and throughout the 
                dark decades of the Cold War, our Army shielded the 
                free world from the forces of communism and ensured the 
                triumph of democracy.

                Today, the men and women of America's Army--Active, 
                National Guard, and Reserve--continue to advance our 
                Nation's interests around the world. Across the globe, 
                in the face of aggression, tyranny, and despair, our 
                soldiers have responded as allies, liberators, and 
                humanitarians. All Americans rightly take pride in this 
                truly American institution and its enduring strength 
                and vitality.

                In the Roosevelt Room of the White House, the flag of 
                the United States Army stands proudly, bearing 173 
                streamers that mark the battles fought and won. From 
                Lexington in 1775 to Southwest Asia in 1991, these 
                colorful banners are a striking visual reminder of the 
                U.S. Army's glorious history and a silent tribute to 
                the hundreds of thousands of soldiers whose sacrifices 
                have kept our Nation free. As we mark the Army's 225th 
                anniversary, I ask all Americans to join me in 
                reflecting with pride and gratitude on the 
                contributions of the loyal and courageous men and women 
                who have served in the United States Army to preserve 
                our liberty, uphold our values, and advance our 
                interests.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim June 14, 
                2000, as the 225th Anniversary of the United States 
                Army. I urge all Americans to observe this day with 
                appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that 
                celebrate the history, heritage, and service of the 
                United States Army.

[[Page 37688]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand, and of the Independence of the United States 
                of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 00-15417
Filed 6-15-00; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P