[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 20 (Monday, May 24, 1999)]
[Pages 908-909]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Radio Remarks on the Observance of Armed Forces Day

May 15, 1999

    Armed Forces Day was created in 1950 as a way for Americans to thank 
our men and women in uniform for their service and sacrifice. Our Nation 
has changed a good deal since then. But our debt to the Armed Forces is 
as great as ever.
    From the Persian Gulf to the Americas, from Korea to Kosovo, you are 
protecting the freedom so many Americans gave their lives for in this 
century and helping to build a safer world for the next century.
    We ask a lot from our Armed Forces, and we owe you a lot in return, 
especially at a moment of such great challenge to our service men and 
women around the world. I am determined to work with Congress to give 
you the equipment and training you need and the pay and quality of life 
you deserve. The security you have given us supports our strong 
economy--we must ensure that you and your families share its benefits. 
So on this Armed Forces Day, all Americans join me in gratitude for your 
service to our Nation.

Note: The President's remarks were recorded at 3:31 p.m. on May 14 in 
the library at the Rainier Club in Seattle, WA, for later broadcast. The 
transcript of these remarks was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on May 15. These remarks were also made available on the White 
House Press Office Radio Actuality Line.

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