Law Day, U.S.A., 1996

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Part IX

The President

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Proclamation 6890--Law Day, U.S.A., 1996

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 6890 of April 30, 1996

Law Day, U.S.A., 1996

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For more than three decades, we have set aside the
first day of May to honor the role our legal system
plays in maintaining our country's greatness, to
celebrate the precious freedoms our citizens have
enjoyed since America's beginnings, and to recognize
the crucial role of the law in ensuring our security
and prosperity. Today, as we confront the threats of
domestic and international terrorism and the violence
that plagues our neighborhoods and schools, it is more
important than ever for Americans to understand the
extraordinary legacy left to us by our Founders and to
reaffirm the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice.

This year's theme, ``The Constitution: The Original
American Dream,'' underscores the centrality of this
precious document in our national life. The doctrines
set forth in our Constitution have made possible our
progress and unparalleled history of freedom. Written
more than 200 years ago, its measures were crafted by
people who believed in individual rights and who
understood that liberty must be the basis for our
system of laws. As we approach a new century, we can be
proud that our remarkable, dynamic Constitution, while
reflecting the mores and culture of its time, continues
to express America's profound commitment to human
dignity.

We celebrate the Constitution as a model for other
nations around the world, as the purest expression of
American law, and as the ultimate authority for our
statutes, judicial decisions, and Executive actions.
But its power also depends on an informed, involved
citizenry. Each of us must take personal responsibility
for our actions and respect the rights of others. In
homes, schools, neighborhoods, and businesses we must
honor the rule of law and cherish the promise of
equality and opportunity for all people. Every American
must work to see that our Nation's legal system remains
a model for the rest of the world and that future
generations will continue to share its blessings.

On this day and throughout the year, let us consider
the written instruments that have so profoundly shaped
our experience and pay tribute to all those who enforce
and maintain our legal and judicial systems--including
police officers, community policing volunteers,
lawyers, and members of our independent judiciary.
Their efforts help to ensure that Americans will always
enjoy individual liberties and a just society.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, in accordance with Public Law
87-20 of April 7, 1961, do hereby proclaim May 1, 1996,
as Law Day, U.S.A. I urge all Americans to recognize
the rule of law as the basis for freedom in our
democratic society and to learn more about the United
States Constitution. I call upon members of the legal
profession, civic associations, educators, librarians,
public officials, and the media to promote the
observance of this day with appropriate programs and
activities. I also call upon public officials to
display the flag of the United States on all government
buildings throughout the day.

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