Gold Star Mother's Day, 1994

Proclamation 6724 of September 23, 1994

Gold Star Mother's Day, 1994

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Americans owe a lasting debt of gratitude to those who
pledged their lives to secure for us the blessings of
liberty. We, therefore, set aside certain days during
the year to honor their distinguished service--Veterans
Day, for all who have served in our Armed Forces, and
Memorial Day, for those who lost their lives in that
service. But perhaps the greatest sacrifice of all in
protecting our way of life was made by another group--
women whose sons and daughters lost their lives in
service to our country. These are the Gold Star Mothers
of America, and they have earned a special place in our
hearts.

These women once experienced the anxiety of watching
their sons or daughters go off to war, not knowing
whether they would return. These mothers felt the
anguish of waiting for word of their loved ones. It is
a drama that has been played out throughout our
Nation's history. Sadly, in each generation, there are
mothers who have been called on to accept the terrible
truth that their son or daughter will not return. There
can be no doubt that these brave women--our courageous
Gold Star Mothers--are due our utmost respect.

This year, the 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion
at Normandy, we remember especially those whose sons
and daughters served so valiantly during World War II.
Half a century later, we recall the courage, spirit,
and determination of those who went ashore to fight
against tyranny. We celebrate D-Day because there, on
the windswept beaches of Normandy, the first beach-head
for freedom was won in the most epic of all American
conflicts.

Inscribed in the chapel in the American cemetery in
Normandy are the proud words:

``These endured all and gave all that justice among
nations might prevail, and that mankind might enjoy
freedom and inherit peace.''

At the same time, our Gold Star Mothers endured all--
and their deeply felt personal loss did not end in one
day. Today, as we enjoy the peace and security our
Nation has achieved through the sacrifices of American
citizens, Gold Star Mothers can take solace in knowing
that their sons and daughters left all humanity a
legacy of invaluable meaning.

In respect and recognition of the sacrifices our Gold
Star Mothers have made, the Congress, by Senate Joint
Resolution 115 on 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 September
25, 1994, as Gold Star Mother's Day. I invite the
American people to join with me in a fitting salute to
our Gold Star Mothers. I also call upon all government
officials to display the United States flag on
government buildings on this solemn day. I additionally
urge the American people to display the flag and to
hold appropriate meetings in their homes, places of
worship, or other suitable places, as public expression
of the sympathy and the respect that our Nation holds
for its Gold Star Mothers.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-third day of September, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and nineteenth.

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