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

    Statement on the Observance of Armed Forces Day, 1999
    May 15, 1999

        The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated in 1950, to acknowledge
    the debt all Americans owed to the courageous men and women who had
    fought a great war for freedom. Our nation has changed a great deal over
    the last half century, but our debt to the Armed Forces remains as great
    as ever. Each year, Armed Forces Day gives us an important chance to
    pause and remember the service and sacrifice that keeps our nation in
    the vanguard of freedom. On behalf of all Americans, I thank the men and
    women of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard for
    all they do to keep our nation strong and secure.
        Today, the world's prayers are with the people suffering the horrors
    of ethnic cleansing in Kosovo and with the brave Americans and allies
    coming to their aid. But Kosovo is only one of many places our armed
    forces are making a difference. From the Persian Gulf to the Americas,
    from Korea to the Mediterranean, our men and women in uniform are
    superbly performing their mission: deterring war, protecting the freedom
    so many Americans gave their lives for in this century, and creating
    confidence that the next century will be more peaceful than the last.
        Every time I meet with our servicemen and women, I am inspired by
    their patriotism, skill, and selfless dedication to the ideals that make
    this nation great. America is proud of the greatest force for freedom
    the world has ever known.
        On this Armed Forces Day, all Americans join me in gratitude for
    their service to our nation.

                                                          William J. Clinton

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