[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 22 (Monday, June 7, 1993)]
[Page 1001]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6568--Time for the National Observance of the Fiftieth 
Anniversary of World War II

 May 31, 1993

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Americans live in an era when there are no major confrontations 
between world powers. This period of peace traces its roots back 50 
years to the Second World War. Our Armed Forces stood strong against 
totalitarian regimes that sought to dominate and suppress freedom-loving 
peoples of the world. Although Americans felt ill-equipped to take on 
the vast international responsibilities, we rose to take on world 
leadership. In the process, we learned the price of aggression and the 
benefits of peace.
    At the end of the Cold War, it is therefore fitting to remember the 
years of World War II and those brave and selfless American patriots who 
stood strong and true against tyranny so that we could enjoy a safer and 
more prosperous life. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's thoughts about 
the time still apply today:
      We are faced with the pre-eminent fact that, if civilization is to 
      survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationship--the 
      ability of all people, of all kinds, to live together and work 
      together in the same world, at peace. . . .
Our generation and future generations must heed these words. In a world 
warmed by the sunshine of freedom, but threatened still by ancient 
hatreds and new plagues, the United States of America must stand as a 
beacon of liberty and justice.
    During this period of remembrance and reflection, it is appropriate 
that Memorial Day be included during the ``Time for the National 
Observance of the Fiftieth Anniversary of World War II.'' As we preserve 
the memory of the events of World War II and honor the memory of our 
loved ones lost during that tragic time, I call upon Americans to study 
the history of that era so that the values our Nation defended and the 
lessons we learned will never be forgotten. I ask that we celebrate 
freedom and peace in our houses of worship and in our halls of 
government, in private thanksgiving and public ceremonies, and that we 
remember and honor our Nation's World War II veterans.
    The Congress, by House Joint Resolution 80, has designated May 30, 
1993, through June 7, 1993, as a ``Time for the National Observance of 
the Fiftieth Anniversary of World War II.''
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby designate May 30, 1993, through June 7, 
1993, as a Time for the National Observance of the Fiftieth Anniversary 
of World War II. I call upon all Americans to observe this period with 
appropriate programs and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first 
day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and seventeenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 2:44 p.m., June 3, 1993]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on June 7.