[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 18 (Monday, May 10, 1999)]
[Pages 776-777]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7192--Loyalty Day, 1999

April 30, 1999

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Born in the twilight of the 18th century, our great Nation has grown 
and flourished, surviving a civil war, the Great Depression, two World 
Wars, and the Cold War to emerge at the dawn of the 21st century as the 
world's best hope for freedom. The success of that journey of challenge 
and change was no accident. In 1787, when our founders came together to 
sign the Constitution and ``secure the Blessings of Liberty,'' honor 
individual rights, and guarantee equality, they laid the foundations of 
a country that would inspire the lasting loyalty and love of its 
citizens.
    The courage and sacrifice of generations of Americans who have 
served in our Armed Forces have sustained the vision of our Nation's 
founders. From the fields near Lexington and Concord to the skies over 
Belgrade, nearly 50 million citizens have placed themselves in harm's 
way to defend our freedom, promote our values, and advance our interests 
around the world. Many of them have died in the process, willing to make 
the ultimate sacrifice out of loyalty and devotion to our beloved 
country.
    Millions of other generous men and women have proved their loyalty 
here at home. They have enriched the lives of their fellow Americans by 
volunteering in civic, religious, and school organizations. Throughout 
the decades, they have worked to expand America's promise of justice and 
equality to all our people, promoting civil rights, economic and 
educational opportunity, and political empowerment. In every era, they 
have worked to address this country's challenges and renew our legacy of 
citizen service. In doing so, they have strengthened our Nation from 
within and provided a symbol of hope around the world for those who seek 
refuge in a land where individual rights are revered and where their 
children can grow up in peace and freedom.
    Recognizing the importance of loyalty to the continued strength of 
our country and success of our democracy, the Congress, by Public law 
85-529, has designated May 1 of each year as ``Loyalty Day.'' On this 
day, let us reflect with pride on our great country and remember with 
gratitude the contributions of the many loyal and courageous Americans 
who have given so much of themselves both at home and around the world 
to preserve our freedom.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 1999, as Loyalty

[[Page 777]]

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 thirtieth day 
of April, 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., May 4, 1999]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 5. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.