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

<R04>
Statement on the Observance of Armed Forces Day, 1999

May 15, 1999

    The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated in 1950, to acknowledge 
the debt all Americans owed to the courageous men and women who had 
fought a great war for freedom. Our nation has changed a great deal over 
the last half-century, but our debt to the Armed Forces remains as great 
as ever. Each year, Armed Forces Day gives us an important chance to 
pause and remember the service and sacrifice that keeps our nation in 
the vanguard of freedom. On behalf of all Americans, I thank the men and 
women of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard for 
all they do to keep our nation strong and secure.
    Today, the world's prayers are with the people suffering the horrors 
of ethnic cleansing in Kosovo and with the brave Americans and allies 
coming to their aid. But Kosovo is only one of many places our armed 
forces are making a difference. From the Persian Gulf to the Americas, 
from Korea to the Mediterranean, our men and women in uniform are 
superbly performing their mission: deterring war, protecting the freedom 
so many Americans gave their lives for in this century, and creating 
confidence that the next century will be more peaceful than the last.
    Every time I meet with our servicemen and women, I am inspired by 
their patriotism, skill, and selfless dedication to the ideals that make 
this nation great. America is proud of the greatest force for freedom 
the world has ever known.
    On this Armed Forces Day, all Americans join me in gratitude for 
their service to our nation.
                                            William J. Clinton

Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of 
this statement.