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

<R04>
Proclamation 6889--Loyalty Day, 1996

April 30, 1996

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    In his inaugural address, President John F. Kennedy said, ``Since 
this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned 
to give testimony to its national loyalty.'' The members of our Armed 
Forces have long responded to such a call, though their task has often 
been difficult and fraught with peril. Drawing on an abiding devotion to 
country, America's service men and women have faced loneliness and 
danger, grave injury and death, to protect our Nation's interests and to 
reach out to others by providing humanitarian assistance.
    In pausing to honor all those who have dedicated their lives to our 
freedom, let us reflect on their deep commitment to the fundamental 
ideals of independence, justice, and equality--the very foundations of 
our way of life--and draw inspiration from their shining example. For 
more than 200 years, America's shores have embraced immigrants seeking 
opportunity, while our system of government has encouraged people around 
the world who struggle against tyranny and oppression. Following the 
brave men and women who wear our Nation's uniform, let us each do our 
part to strengthen this legacy and to ensure that future generations 
will enjoy and cherish the precious liberties we hold so dear.
    To nurture loyalty to and love of country, the Congress, by Public 
Law 85-529, has designated May 1 of each year as ``Loyalty Day.'' We 
spend this day in celebration of our Constitution and Bill of Rights, 
and we honor the extraordinary sacrifices made by the members of our 
Armed Forces throughout our Nation's proud history.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 1996, as Loyalty Day. I 
call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies 
and activities, including recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. I also 
call upon government officials to display the flag on all government 
buildings and grounds.
    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, 8:45 a.m., May 1, 1996]

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