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 Proc. 7344 Title 3--The President NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 17, 2000, as Citizenship Day and September 17 through September 23, 2000, as Constitution Week. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials, as well as leaders of civic, educational, and religious organizations, to conduct meaningful ceremonies and programs in our schools, houses of worship, and other community cen- ters to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the Constitution and the rights and duties of citizenship. I also call on all citizens to rededi- cate themselves to the principles of the Constitution. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independ- ence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Proclamation 7344 of September 22, 2000 Gold Star Mother's Day, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation America's Armed Forces have stood watch over our freedom for more than two centuries. They have held posts on lonely ridges, spent long days and nights at sea, and faced danger in the skies. They have sacrificed their youth, their time, and even their lives to sustain the foundation on which our country was built and to protect the democratic values that keep our country strong and free. The mothers of these courageous men and women have also bravely stood watch--in homes once filled with the laughter of children--and waited for word from their loved ones. When the guns of battle fell silent, many moth- ers' homes were once again filled with the boisterous commotion of their children returning from distant lands. But the homes of Gold Star Mothers remained silent. Their children had made the ultimate sacrifice for our Na- tion, and Gold Star Mothers were left with the profound sorrow of their heartbreaking loss. But America's Gold Star Mothers rose above their personal tragedy, and today they continue to stand watch over our Nation. Reaching out to im- prove the lives of others and to ensure that the noble contributions of their sons and daughters are not forgotten, they are powerful examples of service and sacrifice for us all. With dignity, courage, and compassion, they have worked to promote patriotism, foster peace and goodwill, and extend a helping hand to veterans and those in need. Their generosity of spirit has touched the lives of countless Americans and made certain that the self- lessness their children demonstrated in service to our country remains a prominent part of our national character. For their steadfast devotion to duty and their unwavering commitment to carrying on the proud legacy of their children, we honor these Gold Star Mothers each year. The Congress, by Senate ]oint Resolution 115 of ]une 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895), has designated the last Sunday in September as 144

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