[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 39 (Monday, October 3, 1994)]
[Pages 1835-1836]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6724--Gold Star Mother's Day, 1994

September 23, 1994

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Americans owe a lasting debt of gratitude to those who pledged their 
lives to secure for us the blessings of liberty. We, therefore, set 
aside certain days during the year to honor their distinguished 
service--Veterans Day, for all who have served in our Armed Forces, and 
Memorial Day, for those who lost their lives in that service. But 
perhaps the greatest sacrifice of all in protecting our way of life was 
made by another group--women whose sons and daughters lost their lives 
in service to our country. These are the Gold Star Mothers of America, 
and they have earned a special place in our hearts.
    These women once experienced the anxiety of watching their sons or 
daughters go off to war, not knowing whether they would return. These 
mothers felt the anguish of waiting for word of their loved ones. It is 
a drama that has been played out throughout our Nation's history. Sadly, 
in each generation, there are mothers who have been called on to accept 
the terrible truth that their son or daughter will not return. There can 
be no doubt that these brave women--our courageous Gold Star Mothers--
are due our utmost respect.
    This year, the 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion at Normandy, 
we remember especially those whose sons and daughters served so 
valiantly during World War II. Half a century later, we recall the 
courage, spirit, and determination of those who went ashore to fight 
against tyranny. We celebrate D-Day because there, on the windswept 
beaches of Normandy, the first beach-head for freedom was won in the 
most epic of all American conflicts.
    Inscribed in the chapel in the American cemetery in Normandy are the 
proud words:
    ``These endured all and gave all that justice among nations might 
prevail, and that mankind might enjoy freedom and inherit peace.''
    At the same time, our Gold Star Mothers endured all--and their 
deeply felt personal loss did not end in one day. Today, as we enjoy the 
peace and security our Nation has achieved through the sacrifices of 
American citizens, Gold Star Mothers can take solace in knowing that 
their sons and daughters left all humanity a legacy of invaluable 
meaning.
    In respect and recognition of the sacrifices our Gold Star Mothers 
have made, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 on June 23, 1936 
(49 Stat. 1895), has designated the last Sunday in September as ``Gold 
Star Mother's Day'' and has authorized and requested the President to 
issue a proclamation in observance of this day.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim September 25, 1994, as Gold Star 
Mother's Day. I invite the American people to join with me in a fitting 
salute to our Gold Star Mothers. I also call upon all government 
officials to display the United States flag on government buildings on 
this solemn day. I additionally urge the American people to display the 
flag and to hold appropriate meetings in their homes, places of worship, 
or other suitable places, as public expression of the sympathy and the 
respect that our Nation holds for its Gold Star Mothers.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third 
day of September, 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

[[Page 1836]]

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:26 a.m., September 
26, 1994]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 27. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.