[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 29 (Monday, July 25, 1994)]
[Pages 1523-1524]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6707--National Apollo Anniversary Observance

July 19, 1994

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    When John F. Kennedy called upon our Nation to join him in a journey 
to the unknown frontier of space, Americans eagerly accepted the 
challenge. Propelled by the fire that President Kennedy sparked in our 
imaginations, the pioneering scientists of our country's emerging space 
program sent the Apollo 11 astronauts on the greatest adventure 
humankind has ever known. As the first extraordinary images of the 
moon's surface were transmitted to Earth for all to see, we began to 
recognize, as never before, how far the human race had traveled--and how 
far we have yet to go.
    Today, more than 30 years after President Kennedy's historic vision, 
America's gaze remains drawn to the heavens. Space exploration has 
become an integral part of our national character, capturing the spirit 
of optimism and adventure that has defined this country from its 
beginnings.
    On this 25th anniversary of the historic Apollo mission to the moon, 
our tradition of bold discovery compels us to embrace the opportunities 
of the dawning 21st century. Although ours is a very different world 
than that of the 1960s--one of tightening re- 

[[Page 1524]]

sources and expanding international competition--our determination to 
meet the future with courage guides us still.
    By advancing a program in robotic exploration using smaller, less 
costly spacecraft, we can further expand our understanding of the 
origins of our solar system and of the universe beyond it. By renewing 
our commitment to human space flight in concert with other nations, we 
can strengthen the bonds of international friendship, while fostering 
the technological development that holds the key to long-term economic 
growth. By investing in space transportation, we will ensure affordable 
access to space for our posterity. By supporting the communications and 
navigational systems that have maintained our Nation's security, we help 
to promote stability around the globe. By completing our ``Mission to 
Planet Earth,'' we will gain unique insight into our planet's dynamic 
environment. We have one chance to keep our covenant with the 
generations to come--safeguarding the thin blue shield that sustains all 
of Earth's inhabitants.
    For when our children see tomorrow's satellite image of our world 
from space, these are the visions we want them to see--visions of 
communication and cooperation, visions of permanence and peace. We must 
empower our young people to venture farther into the limitless frontier 
of space. We must encourage them to recognize the vast possibilities of 
science and mathematics, instilling in their generation the same faith 
in self that enabled explorers of our generation to stand on the soil of 
another world. Today's children do not, of course, remember the way the 
world held its breath as Neil Armstrong took his ``one small step.'' But 
they do see the magic and enjoy the benefits of that journey every day, 
from the computers they use in schools to the electronic highways that 
connect them to friends around the world.
    As we celebrate this important anniversary, our eyes again turn to 
the horizon. We look to the future of new technologies that we may 
better provide for our people. We look to the atmospheres of distant 
worlds that we may better protect the life's breath of our own fragile 
planet. We aim toward the farthest reaches of our universe that we may 
better understand ourselves. These are the challenges that await us. 
Today, let us chart a course to meet them.
    In recognition of our achievements, the Congress, by Senate Joint 
Resolution 187, has designated July 16 through July 24, 1994, as 
``National Apollo Anniversary Observance,'' and has authorized and 
requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this 
week.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim July 16 through July 24, 1994, as 
National Apollo Anniversary Observance to be celebrated with appropriate 
ceremonies and activities. I also call upon the people of the United 
States to observe this occasion by honoring the Apollo 11 mission and 
all of the men and women who have served in our Nation's space program.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day 
of July, 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 
nineteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:29 a.m., July 20, 
1994]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on July 
21.