THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_______________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release September 22, 2000
GOLD STAR MOTHER'S DAY, 2000
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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 demon-strated 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.
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 Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.
WILLIAM J. CLINTON
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