Loyalty Day, 1999

Proclamation 7192 of April 30, 1999

Loyalty Day, 1999

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Born in the twilight of the 18th century, our great
Nation has grown and flourished, surviving a civil war,
the Great Depression, two World Wars, and the Cold War
to emerge at the dawn of the 21st century as the
world's best hope for freedom. The success of that
journey of challenge and change was no accident. In
1787, when our founders came together to sign the
Constitution and ``secure the Blessings of Liberty,''
honor individual rights, and guarantee equality, they
laid the foundations of a country that would inspire
the lasting loyalty and love of its citizens.

The courage and sacrifice of generations of Americans
who have served in our Armed Forces have sustained the
vision of our Nation's founders. From the fields near
Lexington and Concord to the skies over Belgrade,
nearly 50 million citizens have placed themselves in
harm's way to defend our freedom, promote our values,
and advance our interests around the world. Many of
them have died in the process, willing to make the
ultimate sacrifice out of loyalty and devotion to our
beloved country.

Millions of other generous men and women have proved
their loyalty here at home. They have enriched the
lives of their fellow Americans by volunteering in
civic, religious, and school organizations. Throughout
the decades, they have worked to expand America's
promise of justice and equality to all our people,
promoting civil rights, economic and educational
opportunity, and political empowerment. In every era,
they have worked to address this country's challenges
and renew our legacy of citizen service. In doing so,
they have strengthened our Nation from within and
provided a symbol of hope around the world for those
who seek refuge in a land where individual rights are
revered and where their children can grow up in peace
and freedom.

Recognizing the importance of loyalty to the continued
strength of our country and success of our democracy,
the Congress, by Public Law 85-529, has designated May
1 of each year as ``Loyalty Day.'' On this day, let us
reflect with pride on our great country and remember
with gratitude the contributions of the many loyal and
courageous Americans who have given so much of
themselves both at home and around the world to
preserve our freedom.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1,
1999, as Loyalty Day. I urge all Americans to recognize
the heritage of American freedom, to honor the memory
of those who have served and sacrificed in defense of
that freedom, and to express our loyalty to our Nation
through appropriate patriotic programs, ceremonies, and
activities. I also call upon Government officials to
display the flag of the United States in support of
this national observance.

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