[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 12 (Monday, March 29, 1999)]
[Pages 521-522]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7176--Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 1999

March 25, 1999

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Our Nation was founded at a time of extraordinary change, as the 
world began to move from an agrarian to an industrial economy. Today, as 
we approach the 21st century, exciting innovations in science and 
technology are revolutionizing our society, and once again Americans 
must adapt to the demands of a new era. Beckoning us with exciting new 
challenges and far-reaching opportunities, our future depends as never 
before on our Nation's commitment to excellence in education.
    Americans have met the dynamic changes in our society not only 
through education but also by finding strength in our shared goals

[[Page 522]]

and values. And, as we prepare for the challenges of a new millennium, 
these time-honored principles must remain an important part of our 
children's education. Far more than the accumulation of facts and 
figures, a well-rounded education that will serve our children 
throughout their lives must also include the wisdom and insights of past 
generations. Family members, teachers, administrators, and neighbors 
should share their experiences and ideals with young people to help them 
develop into mature, confident, and responsible adults.
    An esteemed scholar and inspired religious leader, Rabbi Menachem 
Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, devoted his life to empowering 
young people through education. His belief in the importance of 
intellectual and spiritual enlightenment led him to establish more than 
2,000 educational and social institutions around the world. Promoting 
faith, family, and community, his work enriched our society and helped 
to lay the foundation for our continued progress.
    On this day and throughout the year, let us rededicate ourselves to 
the ideals of education and sharing that were championed by Rabbi 
Schneerson and are embraced by compassionate leaders across our country. 
As our society continues to change and evolve, let us work with keen 
minds and warm hearts to forge a future of peace and prosperity for all 
our children.
    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 March 28, 
1999, as Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A. I invite Government 
officials, educators, volunteers, and all of the people of the United 
States to observe this day with appropriate activities, programs, and 
ceremonies.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth 
day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-nine, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and twenty-third.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., March 29, 
1999]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
March 30.