[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 24 (Monday, June 19, 2000)]
[Page 1357]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7322--225th Anniversary of the United States Army

June 13, 2000

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress authorized the 
enlistment of ten companies of riflemen in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and 
Virginia as the first units of the Continental Army. Few could have 
foreseen that this small band of citizen-soldiers would lay the 
cornerstone of freedom for our Nation and the foundation for what would 
become the finest army in the world.
    For 225 years, in war and in peace, every generation of American 
soldiers has served our Nation with unwavering courage, skill, and 
commitment. The first soldiers of the Continental Army gave life to the 
United States of America in 1776. In the following century, the Army 
protected our new country's frontiers and preserved our Union through 
the terrible strife of the Civil War. In the 20th century, American 
soldiers fought and died in two World Wars to defend democracy and win 
the global struggle against fascism. And, for the last half of the 20th 
century, in Korea and Vietnam and throughout the dark decades of the 
Cold War, our Army shielded the free world from the forces of communism 
and ensured the triumph of democracy.
    Today, the men and women of America's Army--Active, National Guard, 
and Reserve--continue to advance our Nation's interests around the 
world. Across the globe, in the face of aggression, tyranny, and 
despair, our soldiers have responded as allies, liberators, and 
humanitarians. All Americans rightly take pride in this truly American 
institution and its enduring strength and vitality.
    In the Roosevelt Room of the White House, the flag of the United 
States Army stands proudly, bearing 173 streamers that mark the battles 
fought and won. From Lexington in 1775 to Southwest Asia in 1991, these 
colorful banners are a striking visual reminder of the U.S. Army's 
glorious history and a silent tribute to the hundreds of thousands of 
soldiers whose sacrifices have kept our Nation free. As we mark the 
Army's 225th anniversary, I ask all Americans to join me in reflecting 
with pride and gratitude on the contributions of the loyal and 
courageous men and women who have served in the United States Army to 
preserve our liberty, uphold our values, and advance our interests.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2000, as the 225th 
Anniversary of the United States Army. I urge all Americans to observe 
this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that 
celebrate the history, heritage, and service of the United States Army.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day 
of June, 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, 8:45 a.m., June 15, 
2000]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on June 
16.