103 STAT. 3044 PROCLAMATION 5983—MAY 17, 1989 participate in appropriate ceremonies and events and become actively involved with their local high school ROTC programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereimto set my hand this seven- teenth day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hmidred and thirteenth. GEORGE BUSH Proclamation 5983 of May 17, 1989 Armed Forces Day By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation During the past 40 years, we Americans have set aside a special day each year to recognize our debt to the men and women who defend this Nation's peace and security as members of the Armed Forces. On Armed Forces Day, we honor the men and women who serve in our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. A nation's military strength is not found in its defensive systems and weapons alone, or even in the number of its military personnel. It is the personal character of the men and women in uniform—their faith, read- iness, will, and devotion—that makes a nation's armed forces proud and strong. As Patrick Henry observed when urging his fellow Ameri- cans to fight for our country's independence: "The battle... is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave." Patrick Henry's observation accents the theme for this 40th aimiversary observance of Armed Forces Day: "Keeping America Strong." Our Nation is strong today because the members of our Armed Forces are vigilant, active, and brave. America's service men and women are mindful of the precious nature of freedom and peace and of our respon- sibility to preserve them for generations yet unborn; they are prepared to defend innocent people from the aggression of terrorists and totali- tarian goverrmients; and they are both courageous in danger and confi- dent in "the holy cause of liberty." The members of America's Armed Forces are part of the noble legions that have never failed to defend our Nation or her interests anywhere in the world. As our recent experience in Grenada and the Persian Gulf so forcefully reminded us, securing peace and advancing the cause of liberty require such constant strength and determination. Today, I join with all Americans in thanking the members of the United States Armed Forces for so faithfully defending our freedom and na- tional security. From the newest enlisted personnel to the most sea- soned Generals and Admirals—Navy crewmen in the boiler room and on the bridge. Coast Guard crews at sea and stateside. Air Force per- sonnel on the lonely tarmac or in the busy control tower. Marines and Army soldiers from boot camp to command post—^you are America's heroes as surely as the brave and selfless veterans who have gone before you.
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