[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 50 (Monday, December 20, 1999)]
[Pages 2616-2617]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7260--Bicentennial Commemoration of the Death of George 
Washington

December 13, 1999

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Few individuals in history have had a more profound and lasting 
effect on a nation and its people than has George Washington. His 
character, convictions, and vision shaped our Republic in its crucial 
formative years and started us on the great American journey that 
continues to this day.
    At every moment of challenge or peril in the early history of our 
Nation, George Washington emerged as a leader of uncommon wisdom and 
steadfast dedication to the ideals of service. A brilliant warrior, he 
held together a small, undisciplined army with the force of his 
personality and the trust he inspired in his men, ultimately leading 
them to victory in the American Revolution. When the Constitutional 
Convention began in Philadelphia in 1787, the delegates turned to George 
Washington to lead their efforts to create a Constitution for the 
American people. Elected unanimously to preside over the Convention, 
Washington helped to craft the blueprint for our democracy that has 
inspired freedom-loving peoples across the globe for more than 2 
centuries.
    As the first President of the United States, George Washington used 
his power wisely and with restraint, recognizing that his actions would 
set enduring precedents and traditions for the leaders who would follow 
him. He set a steady course for our fledgling Nation, keeping us free 
from entanglement in foreign conflicts, laying the foundations for 
financial stability and economic prosperity, maintaining a strong 
defense to preserve our independence and security, and ensuring above 
all the protection of Americans' rights and freedoms. And, in 
relinquishing his office at the appointed time, he established by 
example the peaceful transition of power that has become the hallmark of 
our democracy.
    Near midnight on December 14, 1799, America's great warrior, 
statesman, and leader took his final breath. His last words were, `` 
'Tis well.'' Due in large part to the early guiding hand of George 
Washington, it has been well for our Nation ever since. Now, 200 years 
later, as America continues its journey into a new century, it is 
fitting that we acknowledge our enduring debt to this great man.
    The Congress, by Senate Concurrent Resolution 83, has requested the 
President to proclaim December 14, 1999, as a day to commemorate the 
200th anniversary of the death of George Washington.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, by the authority vested in me 
as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim December 14, 1999, as the Bicentennial 
Commemoration of the Death of George Washington. I call upon the people 
of the United States to mark this day with appropriate ceremonies and 
activities, paying tribute to the life and achievements of George 
Washington and his contributions to our Nation. As a further mark of 
respect, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be 
flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds, at all 
military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the 
Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United 
States and its Territories and possessions on Tuesday, December 14, 
1999. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff on that 
day at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and 
other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval 
vessels and stations.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day 
of December, 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-fourth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., December 16, 
1999]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on December 14, and

[[Page 2617]]

it was published in the Federal Register on December 17.