| Gold Star Mother's Day 1994 |
| Presidential Press Releases |
Part of a series of Presidential Press Releases on the topic of women's history. Brought to you as a service by your About Guide to Women's History.
"Pres. Bill Clinton has declared Sep. 25, 1994 as Gold Star Mother's Day. This new holiday was created by Congress and is to be celebrated every last Sunday of September in honor of women whose sons and daughters have pledged their lives to securing for all Americans the blessings of liberty. These mothers have made tremendous sacrifices, the most painful being the loss of their children, and deserve the respect and recognition of the nation." - Federal Register, 1994
Proclamation 6724
Gold Star Mother's Day, 1994
September 23, 1994
By the President of the United States of America
Americans owe a
lasting debt of gratitude to those who pledged their lives to secure for us
the blessings of liberty. We, therefore, set aside certain days during the
year to honor their distinguished service--Veterans Day, for all who have
served in our Armed Forces, and Memorial Day, for those who lost their lives
in that service. But perhaps the greatest sacrifice of all in protecting our
way of life was made by another group--women whose sons and daughters lost
their lives in service to our country. These are the Gold Star Mothers of
America, and they have earned a special place in our hearts.
These women once experienced the anxiety of watching their sons or
daughters go off to war, not knowing whether they would return. These
mothers felt the anguish of waiting for word of their loved ones. It is a
drama that has been played out throughout our Nation's history. Sadly, in
each generation, there are mothers who have been called on to accept the
terrible truth that their son or daughter will not return. There can be no
doubt that these brave women--our courageous Gold Star Mothers--are due our
utmost respect. This year, the 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion at Normandy, we
remember especially those whose sons and daughters served so valiantly
during World War II. Half a century later, we recall the courage, spirit,
and determination of those who went ashore to fight against tyranny. We
celebrate D-Day because there, on the windswept beaches of Normandy, the
first beach-head for freedom was won in the most epic of all American
conflicts. Inscribed in the chapel in the American cemetery in Normandy are the
proud words: "These endured all and gave all that justice among nations might prevail,
and that mankind might enjoy freedom and inherit peace." At the same time, our Gold Star Mothers endured all--and their deeply
felt personal loss did not end in one day. Today, as we enjoy the peace and
security our Nation has achieved through the sacrifices of American
citizens, Gold Star Mothers can take solace in knowing that their sons and
daughters left all humanity a legacy of invaluable meaning. In respect and recognition of the sacrifices our Gold Star Mothers have
made, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 on June 23, 1936 (49
Stat. 1895), has designated the last Sunday in September as "Gold Star
Mother's Day" and has 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 25, 1994, as Gold Star Mother's Day. I
invite the American people to join with me in a fitting salute to our Gold
Star Mothers. I also call upon all government officials to display the
United States flag on government buildings on this solemn day. I
additionally urge the American people to display the flag and to hold
appropriate meetings in their homes, places of worship, or other suitable
places, as 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-third day of
September, 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
nineteenth. William J. Clinton
