[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 12 (Monday, March 27, 2000)]
[Pages 624-625]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7282--Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2000

March 24, 2000

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    As we welcome a new millennium, America stands at a unique moment in 
time. We can look back over the past century, where we experienced 
profound advances in science, medicine, and technology that 
fundamentally altered the world in which we live. At the same time, we 
can look ahead to a new century filled with unparalleled promise and 
unlimited possibilities for further progress.
    Throughout our Nation's history, education has been at the heart of 
achievement in America, and it is the key to meeting the challenges and 
seizing the opportunities that lie before us. To succeed in the global 
community of the 21st century, we must provide all our citizens with a 
world-class, well-rounded education. We must ensure that every American 
has not only the knowledge and the skills he or she needs to flourish, 
but also a solid foundation of moral guidance and values. As the 
technology revolution breaks down barriers of geography, culture, and 
economic status, it is more crucial than ever that young people learn 
the importance of tolerance, cooperation, and sharing. Imbued with these 
values and enriched by a quality education, our children can look 
forward to a bright future.
    Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, recognized 
early the importance of such comprehensive learning. In addition to 
being one of the world's highly respected religious leaders, he was also 
an accomplished scholar in mathematics and science. Understanding that 
both secular education and spiritual training contribute enormously to 
human development, he sought to provide young people with fresh 
opportunities for academic, social, and moral enrichment through the 
more than 2,000

[[Page 625]]

educational and social institutions he established throughout our 
country and around the world. His efforts continue to bear fruit today, 
helping a new generation to develop into responsible and mature adults.
    As we observe this special day, let us renew our commitment to 
excellence in education and to nurturing our young people's academic and 
spiritual development. Let us also remember the example of Rabbi 
Schneerson and pass on to our children the values and knowledge that 
have strengthened our Nation in the past and that will empower us to 
face the challenges of the future.
    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, 
2000, as Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A. I invite Government 
officials, educators, volunteers, and all the citizens 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-fourth 
day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand, 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, 11:45 a.m., March 27, 
2000]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
March 28.