Veterans Day, 1995

Proclamation 6845 of October 24, 1995

Veterans Day, 1995

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During both war and peace, America's armed forces have
helped to preserve the fundamental rights and liberties
guaranteed by our Constitution. Every day, our men and
women in uniform maintain an around-the-clock vigil to
ensure that our Nation remains safe from harm and our
citizens free from fear. Their sacrifices, and the
dedication to duty exemplified by American troops
throughout our history, have advanced democracy and
human dignity around the world.

For generations, brave citizens from every walk of
life have answered the call to service, fighting to
defend the ideals we hold dear. Through long years of
separation and hardship, the selfless contributions
made by our veterans have preserved the blessings of
freedom. As we honor their heroism, let us also
remember the families whose support and prayers have
added so much. We owe a heartfelt thanks to all those
whose devoted efforts--both on the battlefield and in
communities across the country--have laid the strong
foundation of peace and security we enjoy today.

On this 50th anniversary of the end of World War II,
we take special pride in recognizing those who served
the United States during that terrible conflict--the
16,535,000 men and women who risked their lives to
defeat oppression. The ensuing half-century has brought
momentous changes in global affairs, and the generation
of veterans who triumphed over tyranny continues to
hold a sacred place in our national memory.

Veterans of other wars throughout our Nation's history
merit no less distinction. There are some 27 million
veterans in America today whose service ranges from
World War I, through the Cold War, to the Persian Gulf
War and our other recent military missions around the
globe. Thanks to their loyalty and courage, this
country remains a symbol of hope for all those who seek
democracy and peace. On Veterans Day and on every day
throughout the year, let us remember and honor the
sacrifices of our veterans and renew our commitment to
accounting for their comrades-in-arms who have fallen,
unknown and unrecovered, in distant fields of battle.

In order that we may pay tribute to those who have
served in our Armed Forces, the Congress has provided
(5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall
be set aside as a day to recognize America's veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of
the United States of America, do hereby proclaim
Saturday, November 11, 1995, as Veterans Day. I urge
all Americans to honor the resolution and commitment of
our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and
private prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local
officials to display the flag of the United States and
to encourage and participate in patriotic activities in
their communities. I invite civic and fraternal
organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses,
unions, and the media to support this national
observance with suitable commemorative expressions and
programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-fourth day of October, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and ninety-five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twentieth.