[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 18 (Monday, May 6, 1996)]
[Pages 769-770]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6890--Law Day, U.S.A., 1996

April 30, 1996

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    For more than three decades, we have set aside the first day of May 
to honor the role our legal system plays in maintaining our country's 
greatness, to celebrate the precious freedoms our citizens have enjoyed 
since America's beginnings, and to recognize the crucial role of the law 
in ensuring our security and prosperity. Today, as we confront the 
threats of domestic and international terrorism and the violence that 
plagues our neighborhoods and schools, it is more important than ever 
for Americans to understand the extraordinary legacy left to us by our 
Founders and to reaffirm the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice.
    This year's theme, ``The Constitution: The Original American 
Dream,'' underscores the centrality of this precious document in our 
national life. The doctrines set forth in our Constitution have made 
possible our progress and unparalleled history of freedom. Written more 
than 200 years ago, its measures were crafted by people who believed in 
individual rights and who understood that liberty must be the basis for 
our system of laws. As we approach a new century, we can be proud that 
our remarkable, dynamic Constitution, while reflecting the mores and 
cul- 

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ture of its time, continues to express America's profound commitment to 
human dignity.
     We celebrate the Constitution as a model for other nations around 
the world, as the purest expression of American law, and as the ultimate 
authority for our statutes, judicial decisions, and Executive actions. 
But its power also depends on an informed, involved citizenry. Each of 
us must take personal responsibility for our actions and respect the 
rights of others. In homes, schools, neighborhoods, and businesses we 
must honor the rule of law and cherish the promise of equality and 
opportunity for all people. Every American must work to see that our 
Nation's legal system remains a model for the rest of the world and that 
future generations will continue to share its blessings.
    On this day and throughout the year, let us consider the written 
instruments that have so profoundly shaped our experience and pay 
tribute to all those who enforce and maintain our legal and judicial 
systems--including police officers, community policing volunteers, 
lawyers, and members of our independent judiciary. Their efforts help to 
ensure that Americans will always enjoy individual liberties and a just 
society.
    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, 1996, as Law Day, U.S.A. I urge all Americans 
to recognize the rule of law as the basis for freedom in our democratic 
society and to learn more about the United States Constitution. I call 
upon members of the legal profession, civic associations, educators, 
librarians, public officials, and the media to promote the observance of 
this day with appropriate programs and activities. I also call upon 
public officials to display the flag of the United States on all 
government buildings throughout the day.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth 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, 11:51 a.m., May 1, 1996]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 2.