[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 18 (Monday, May 4, 1998)]
[Page 751]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7091--Loyalty Day, 1998

May 1, 1998

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    More than two centuries ago, our Nation's founders, with clear 
vision and courageous hearts, fashioned a new form of government for our 
new country. They created a government that honors human dignity and 
protects individual rights--a democracy strong enough to withstand 
external threats, secure enough to allow dissent from within, and 
responsive enough to help our citizens achieve their dreams. In doing 
so, America's founders created a Nation that inspired loyalty from its 
citizens and gave hope to oppressed peoples around the world.
    Since then, generations of Americans have reaffirmed their loyalty 
and devotion to our country. During times of war, Americans have fought 
and died to defend our liberty and promote the ideals of democracy. In 
times of peace, we have strived to preserve the rights secured for us in 
the Constitution and to ensure that every American enjoys the full 
protection of those rights. And throughout the decades, Americans have 
strived to build upon the ``more perfect Union'' envisioned by our 
country's founders.
    On Loyalty Day, as we formally acknowledge our faith in America and 
in this great democracy, let us rededicate ourselves to the continuing 
quest for a more perfect union. Let us have the courage not only to 
recognize our differences, but also to build on the dreams we share and 
on the values we hold in common. Let us reaffirm our belief in freedom, 
equality, justice, and opportunity for all of our people. And let us 
show to all the world that our diversity is a source of lasting strength 
and renewal.
    The Congress, by Public Law 85-529, has designated May 1 of each 
year as ``Loyalty Day'' to remind us of the many blessings we enjoy as 
citizens of this great land.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 1998, as Loyalty Day. I 
urge all Americans to recognize the heritage of American freedom, to 
honor the memory of those who have served and sacrificed in defense of 
that freedom, and to express our loyalty to our Nation through 
appropriate patriotic programs, ceremonies, and activities. I also call 
upon Government officials to display the flag of the United States in 
support of this national observance.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 
May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, 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., May 5, 1998]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on May 
6.