[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 38 (Monday, September 25, 1995)]
[Pages 1662-1663]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6826--Gold Star Mother's Day, 1995

September 21, 1995

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

    Countless Americans have traveled to Washington, D.C., to visit the 
new Korean War Veterans Memorial and to pay their respects at the many 
other monuments honoring the members of our Armed Forces. These sites 
are places for reflection, pride, and patriotism, not only for the men 
and women who served and those who lost loved ones, but also for every 
citizen who values the sacrifices to which these monuments bear witness.
    As we look upon America's public memorials, we also remember the 
unseen tributes that dwell in homes and hearts across the country--the 
personal mementos and memories treasured by mothers who have lost a 
child in military service. Our Gold Star Mothers reflect the legacy of 
their sons' and daughters' bravery and ensure that their children will 
never be forgotten--that their courage will inspire new generations.
    Watching a beloved child go off to war is one of the hardest things 
a parent can endure. America's Gold Star Mothers proudly stood this test 
and suffered the terrible anxiety of waiting for word of their loved 
ones. Each of these heroic women was also called upon to bear the 
greatest hardship of all--the cruel truth that her son or daughter would 
never return.
    These mothers gave their most cherished gift so that our Nation 
could live in liberty and so that people around the globe could be freed 
from tyranny and oppression. And Gold Star Mothers continue a proud 
tradition of service, helping veterans with disabilities through 
voluntary service in VA medical facilities. Bringing comfort to those 
who suffered for our country, Gold Star Mothers exemplify the gratitude 
and honor each citizen owes to America's veterans.
    This year, the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, evokes 
many powerful emotions--pride in victory, sorrow in loss, and hope for a 
future of world peace. At times such as these, we join with Gold Star 
Mothers in remembering their children's dedication to duty and their 
ultimate sacrifice. We pray that these mothers can find solace in 
knowing that their sons and daughters helped to keep the beacon of peace 
and freedom burning, lighting the way to a better world.
    In recognition of the outstanding courage of our Gold Star Mothers, 
the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of 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 24, 1995, as Gold Star 
Mother's Day. I call upon the American people to observe this day with 
appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor our Gold 
Star Mothers.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first 
day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-
five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two 
hundred and twentieth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:41 a.m., September 
22, 1995]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 25.

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