Presidential Documents

57935

Federal Register

Vol. 65, No. 187

Tuesday, September 26, 2000

Title 3—

The President

Proclamation 7344 of September 22, 2000

Gold Star Mother’s Day, 2000

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America’s Armed Forces have stood watch over our freedom for more than

two centuries. They have held posts on lonely ridges, spent long days

and nights at sea, and faced danger in the skies. They have sacrificed

their youth, their time, and even their lives to sustain the foundation on

which our country was built and to protect the democratic values that

keep our country strong and free.

The mothers of these courageous men and women have also bravely stood

watch—in homes once filled with the laughter of children—and waited

for word from their loved ones. When the guns of battle fell silent, many

mothers’ homes were once again filled with the boisterous commotion of

their children returning from distant lands. But the homes of Gold Star

Mothers remained silent. Their children had made the ultimate sacrifice

for our Nation, and Gold Star Mothers were left with the profound sorrow

of their heartbreaking loss.

But America’s Gold Star Mothers rose above their personal tragedy, and

today they continue to stand watch over our Nation. Reaching out to improve

the lives of others and to ensure that the noble contributions of their sons

and daughters are not forgotten, they are powerful examples of service

and sacrifice for us all. With dignity, courage, and compassion, they have

worked to promote patriotism, foster peace and goodwill, and extend a

helping hand to veterans and those in need. Their generosity of spirit has

touched the lives of countless Americans and made certain that the selflessness their children demonstrated in service to our country remains a prominent part of our national character.

For their steadfast devotion to duty and their unwavering commitment to

carrying on the proud legacy of their children, we honor these Gold Star

Mothers each year. The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June

23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895), has designated the last Sunday in September

as ‘‘Gold Star Mother’s Day’’ and has authorized and requested the President

to issue a proclamation in observance of this day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States

of America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 24, 2000, as Gold Star

Mother’s Day. I call upon all government officials to display the United

States flag over government buildings on this solemn day. I also encourage

the American people to display the flag and to hold appropriate meetings

in their homes, places of worship, or other suitable places as a public

expression of the sympathy and respect that our Nation holds for our Gold

Star Mothers.

57936 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 187 / Tuesday, September 26, 2000 / Presidential Documents

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second

day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independ-

[FR Doc. 00–24908

Filed 9–25–00; 11:46 am]

Billing code 3195–01–P

ence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.

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