    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [May 15, 1999]
    [Pages 780-781]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Radio Remarks on the Observance of Armed Forces Day
    May 15, 1999

        Armed Forces Day was created in 1950 as a way for Americans to thank
    our men and women in uniform for their service and sacrifice. Our Nation
    has changed a good deal since then. But our debt to the Armed Forces is
    as great as ever.

    [[Page 781]]

        From the Persian Gulf to the Americas, from Korea to Kosovo, you are
    protecting the freedom so many Americans gave their lives for in this
    century and helping to build a safer world for the next century.
        We ask a lot from our Armed Forces, and we owe you a lot in return,
    especially at a moment of such great challenge to our service men and
    women around the world. I am determined to work with Congress to give
    you the equipment and training you need and the pay and quality of life
    you deserve. The security you have given us supports our strong
    economy--we must ensure that you and your families share its benefits.
    So on this Armed Forces Day, all Americans join me in gratitude for your
    service to our Nation.

    Note: The President's remarks were recorded at 3:31 p.m. on May 14 in
    the library at the Rainier Club in Seattle, WA, for later broadcast. The
    transcript was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on May 15.
    These remarks were also made available on the White House Press Office
    Radio Actuality Line.