[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 4, 1994)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 22955-22956]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-10894]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: May 4, 1994]
Editorial note: For the President's remarks to American
Indian and Native Alaska tribal leaders, see the Weekly
Compilation of Presidential Documents.
Presidential Documents
Proclamation 6679 of April 30, 1994
Law Day, U.S.A., 1994
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
In 1961, when President John F. Kennedy first
proclaimed Law Day, U.S.A., he urged ``Americans to
rededicate themselves to the ideals of equality and
justice under law in their relations with each other
and with other nations. . . .''
President Kennedy's challenge is no less urgent today.
We live in a time when nations around the globe are
struggling to break free from the darkness of
oppression into the light of law and justice. To many
of the people of these countries, the American rule of
law stands as a bright beacon guiding the way to a
hopeful future. Law Day, U.S.A., offers every American
the opportunity to reflect upon our Nation's proud
example of respect for the rights of individuals. More
than that, this day demands that we reaffirm our
commitment to maintaining a just and civil society in a
rapidly changing world.
With the triumph of democratic governments and
judiciaries around the world, it seems particularly
disturbing that our own legal system is tested daily by
the epidemic of crime and violence here at home. In
America today, too many children must pass through
metal detectors to go to school. Too many are
approached by drug dealers in public parks, or worry
that they will be victims of drive-by shootings. The
primary responsibility of government is to protect the
freedom of its citizens and to keep them safe from
harm. Our tradition of jurisprudence is the powerful
embodiment of this ideal. But it is up to each of us to
help ensure that this system remains true to its
essential mission--freeing our people from fear while
protecting the liberties and rights of all.
On this day, I urge every American to support those who
fight to promote respect for the law, from police
officers, judges, and other members of the legal system
to parents, teachers, and clergy. Let us find the
strength to insist that law prevails over disorder,
equality over discrimination, and justice over crime
and prejudice. Let reverence for the laws, in the words
of President Abraham Lincoln, ``be taught in schools,
in seminaries, and in colleges; let it be written in
primers, spelling books, and in almanacs; let it be
preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative
halls, and enforced in the courts of justice. . . .''
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, 1994,
as ``Law Day, U.S.A.'' I request the people of the
United States to observe this day with such ceremonies
and observances as will suitably signal our heritage of
freedom, our rights under law, and our abiding
commitment to assist others in vindicating their
rights. I urge members of the legal profession, civic
associations, and the media, as well as educators,
librarians, and public officials, to promote this
observance through appropriate programs and activities.
I further call upon all public officials to display the
flag of the United States on all government buildings
on Law Day, U.S.A., as a symbol of our dedication to
the rule of government under law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of April, 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 eighteenth.
(Presidential Sig.)>
[FR Doc. 94-10894
Filed 5-2-94; 4:37 pm]
Billing code 3195-01-P
