[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 44 (Monday, November 3, 1997)]
[Pages 1688-1689]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7046--National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve 
Week, 1997

October 30, 1997

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    As we approach this century's end, many of the blocs and barriers 
that divided the world for 50 years largely have fallen away. All around 
the world, with America's help, nations are moving from conflict to 
cooperation. However, we still face challenges that have taken on new 
and dangerous dimensions: ethnic and religious violence, aggression by 
outlaw states, the illegal drug trade, and threats from international 
terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. The National Guard and 
Reserve play a vital role in the response of America's Armed Forces to 
this broad spectrum of challenges to our national security, and they are 
an indispensable part of the effort to promote peace and democratic 
values.
    While most Americans understand and deeply appreciate the strategic 
and military value of our National Guard and Reserve forces, too often 
we fail to recognize or acknowledge the important contributions of their 
civilian employers. When called upon to share their greatest resource--
employees serving as citizen-soldiers--these employers subordinate their 
own interests for the good of our country, even when they may incur 
financial hardship and organizational disruption. It is only because of 
the willingness by employers to place our Nation's well-being above 
their own that our National Guard and Reserve are able to provide 
mission-ready and accessible forces to help preserve our freedom and 
protect our national interests.
    The generosity of these employers is key to enabling Reserve 
components to play an ever greater and more diverse role in our 
country's Armed Forces. By setting aside this special time to honor the 
sacrifice of our Nation's employers, we express our heartfelt 
appreciation to these patriots for employing our citizen-soldiers, 
making it possible for them to serve, and helping to keep America 
strong, secure, and free.
    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 November 
2 through November 8, 1997, as National Employer Support of the Guard 
and Reserve Week. I encourage all Americans to join me in expressing our 
heartfelt thanks to the civilian employers of the members of our 
National Guard and Reserve for their extraordinary sacrifices on behalf 
of our Nation. I also call upon State and local officials, private 
organizations, businesses, and all military commanders to observe this 
week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-seven, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and twenty-second.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., November 3, 
1997]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
November 4.

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