[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 18 (Monday, May 9, 1994)]
[Pages 951-952]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6679--Law Day, U.S.A., 1994

April 30, 1994

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    In 1961, when President John F. Kennedy first proclaimed Law Day, 
U.S.A., he urged ``Americans to rededicate themselves to the ideals of 
equality and justice under law in their relations with each other and 
with other nations. . . .''
    President Kennedy's challenge is no less urgent today. We live in a 
time when nations around the globe are struggling to break free from the 
darkness of oppression into the light of law and justice. To many of the 
people of these countries, the American rule of law stands as a bright 
beacon guiding the way to a hopeful future. Law Day, U.S.A., offers 
every American the opportunity to reflect upon our Nation's proud 
example of respect for the rights of individuals. More than that, this 
day demands that we reaffirm our commitment to maintaining a just and 
civil society in a rapidly changing world.
    With the triumph of democratic governments and judiciaries around 
the world, it seems particularly disturbing that our own legal system is 
tested daily by the epidemic of crime and violence here at home. In 
America today, too many children must pass through metal detectors to go 
to school. Too many are approached by drug dealers in public parks, or 
worry that they will be victims of drive-by shootings. The primary 
responsibility of government is to protect the freedom of its citizens 
and to keep them safe from harm. Our tradition of jurisprudence is the 
powerful embodiment of this ideal. But it is up to each of us to help 
ensure that this system remains true to its essential mission--freeing 
our people from fear while protecting the liberties and rights of all.
    On this day, I urge every American to support those who fight to 
promote respect for the law, from police officers, judges, and other 
members of the legal system to parents, teachers, and clergy. Let us 
find the strength to insist that law prevails over disorder, equality 
over discrimination, and justice over crime and prejudice. Let reverence 
for the laws, in the words of President Abraham Lincoln, ``be taught in 
schools, in seminaries, and in colleges; let it be written in primers, 
spelling books, and in almanacs; let it be preached from the pulpit, 
proclaimed in legislative halls, and enforced in the courts of justice. 
. . .''
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, in accordance with Public Law 87-20 of April 7, 1961, 
do hereby proclaim May 1, 1994, as ``Law Day, U.S.A.'' I request the 
people of the United States to observe this day with such ceremonies and 
observances as will suitably signal our heritage of freedom, our rights 
under law, and our abiding commitment to assist others in vindicating 
their rights.
    I urge members of the legal profession, civic associations, and the 
media, as well as educators, librarians, and public officials, to 
promote this observance through appropriate programs and activities. I 
further call upon all public officials to display the flag of the United 
States on all government buildings on

[[Page 952]]

Law Day, U.S.A., as a symbol of our dedication to the rule of government 
under law.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
eighteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:37 p.m., May 2, 1994]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 4.