113 STAT. 2148 PROCLAMATION 7227—SEPT. 29, 1999 erans and their families, nurturing patriotism in a new generation of young Americans, reaching out to others who have lost a child in the service of our Nation, and ensuring that the contributions of their own sons and daughters are never forgotten. The generous and compassionate work of Gold Star Mothers is a powerful legacy of service that they carry on in loving memory of their children. We have a profound obligation to honor the service and sacrifice of these remarkable women as we honor their children. That is why the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895), has designated the last Sunday in September as "Gold Star Mother's Day" and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 26, 1999, as Gold Star Mother's Day. I call on all government officials to display the United States flag on govenunent buildings on this day. I also urge the American people to display the flag and to hold appropriate meetings in their homes, places of worship, or other suitable places as a public expression of the sympathy and the respect that our Nation holds for its Gold Star Mothers. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty- fourth day of September, in the year of oui Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Proclamation 7227 of September 29, 1999 100th Anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As a free Nation, we must always remember that our achievements in peace have been built on the sacrifices of our veterans in war. We owe a profound debt to brave Americans like the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States who knew their duty and did it well—even at the risk of their freedom and their lives, and we are proud to honor the VFW as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. Each VFW member has given double service to our Nation by answering the call to duty in the Armed Forces and by joining the VFW. Whether raising the morale of our men and women in vuiiform, helping veterans receive their much-deserved benefits, providing scholarships for ovu youth, or bringing hope and help to families and communities in need, these veterans have upheld the highest standards of service and citizenship. Perhaps most important, they are the living reminder of the countless men and women who have served and sacrificed throughout past decades to defend our Nation and preserve the liberties we hold so dear. VFW members and their fallen comrades have carried the torch of freedom both at home and in distant lands, and America remains forever grateful.
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