[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 14 (Monday, April 8, 1996)]
[Page 619]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6880--National Day of Remembrance of the Oklahoma City 
Bombing

April 5, 1996

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    On the morning of April 19, 1995, America was devastated by news of 
an explosion at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. 
As rescuers rushed to the scene, citizens across the country waited by 
their televisions and radios for information, and we prayed for the 
children, Federal workers, and many others caught by the bomb's deadly 
blast. Despite heroic efforts of emergency personnel and countless 
samaritans, 168 people lost their lives as a result of the brutal 
attack.
    For a year we have mourned the dead, aided the residents of Oklahoma 
City in their struggle to rebuild, and strengthened our resolve to fight 
terrorism. And though it has been a sad and challenging time, the 
outpouring of love and support for those affected by the tragedy has 
helped our Nation to come together in common purpose. As we mark the 
first anniversary of the bombing, we remember the victims and honor 
their memory with a moment of silence. In prayer and quiet reflection, 
let us move forward together to foster peace in our land.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the 
Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Friday, 
April 19, 1996, as a National Day of Remembrance of the Oklahoma City 
Bombing. I ask all the people of the United States to observe a moment 
of silence on that day at 9:02 a.m., Central Daylight Time, gathering 
with family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues at home, at work, and in 
places of worship to commemorate this solemn occasion.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of 
April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, 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, 8:45 a.m., April 9, 
1996]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
April 10.