[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 242 (Friday, December 17, 1999)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 70563-70564]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-32828]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 242 / Friday, December 17, 1999 /
Presidential Documents
___________________________________________________________________
Title 3--
The President
[[Page 70563]]
Proclamation 7260 of December 13, 1999
Bicentennial Commemoration of the Death of George
Washington
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Few individuals in history have had a more profound and
lasting effect on a nation and its people than has
George Washington. His character, convictions, and
vision shaped our Republic in its crucial formative
years and started us on the great American journey that
continues to this day.
At every moment of challenge or peril in the early
history of our Nation, George Washington emerged as a
leader of uncommon wisdom and steadfast dedication to
the ideals of service. A brilliant warrior, he held
together a small, undisciplined army with the force of
his personality and the trust he inspired in his men,
ultimately leading them to victory in the American
Revolution. When the Constitutional Convention began in
Philadelphia in 1787, the delegates turned to George
Washington to lead their efforts to create a
Constitution for the American people. Elected
unanimously to preside over the Convention, Washington
helped to craft the blueprint for our democracy that
has inspired freedom-loving peoples across the globe
for more than 2 centuries.
As the first President of the United States, George
Washington used his power wisely and with restraint,
recognizing that his actions would set enduring
precedents and traditions for the leaders who would
follow him. He set a steady course for our fledgling
Nation, keeping us free from entanglement in foreign
conflicts, laying the foundations for financial
stability and economic prosperity, maintaining a strong
defense to preserve our independence and security, and
ensuring above all the protection of Americans' rights
and freedoms. And, in relinquishing his office at the
appointed time, he established by example the peaceful
transition of power that has become the hallmark of our
democracy.
Near midnight on December 14, 1799, America's great
warrior, statesman, and leader took his final breath.
His last words were, `` ' Tis well.'' Due in large part
to the early guiding hand of George Washington, it has
been well for our Nation ever since. Now, 200 years
later, as America continues its journey into a new
century, it is fitting that we acknowledge our enduring
debt to this great man.
The Congress, by Senate Concurrent Resolution 83, has
requested the President to proclaim December 14, 1999,
as a day to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the
death of George Washington.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, by the authority
vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws
of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim
December 14, 1999, as the Bicentennial Commemoration of
the Death of George Washington. I call upon the people
of the United States to mark this day with appropriate
ceremonies and activities, paying tribute to the life
and achievements of George Washington and his
contributions to our Nation. As a further mark of
respect, I hereby order that the flag of the United
States shall be flown at half-staff upon all public
buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval
stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal
Government in the District of Columbia
[[Page 70564]]
and throughout the United States and its Territories
and possessions on Tuesday, December 14, 1999. I also
direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff on
that day at all United States embassies, legations,
consular offices, and other facilities abroad,
including all military facilities and naval vessels and
stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirteenth day of December, 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-fourth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 99-32828
Filed 12-16-99; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P
