For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 27, 2004
President's Memorial Day Proclamation
Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
For more than two centuries, Americans have been called to defend
the founding ideals of our democracy. On Memorial Day, a grateful
Nation remembers the proud patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice in
defense of liberty's blessings.
From the opening battles of the American Revolution through the
turmoil of the Civil War, to World War I, World War II, Korea, and
Vietnam, to the Persian Gulf and today's operations in the war on
terror in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the world, the members of our
military have built a tradition of honorable and faithful service. As
we observe Memorial Day, we remember the more than one million
Americans who have died to preserve our freedom, the more than 140,000
citizens who were prisoners of war, and all those who were declared
missing in action. We also honor our veterans for their dedication to
America and their sacrifice.
This year, we honor many heroes by observing the 60th anniversary
of D-Day on the beaches of Normandy, and by dedicating the National
World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. In a radio address on June
6, 1944, President Franklin Roosevelt described these service members
as the "pride of our Nation," who struggled to preserve our
civilization. The fallen from that fateful day and that war will
always be remembered. They hold a cherished place in the history of
the United States and in the memories of the people they liberated.
Today, all who wear the uniform of the United States are serving at
a crucial hour in history, and each has answered a great call to serve
our Nation on the front lines of freedom. As we continue to fight
terrorism and promote peace and freedom-, let us pray for the safety
and strength of our troops, for God's blessing on them and their
families, and for those who have lost loved ones.
On this Memorial Day, we honor all of our fallen soldiers, their
commitment to our country, and their legacy of patriotism and
sacrifice. By giving their lives in the cause of freedom, these heroes
have protected and inspired all Americans.
In respect for their devotion to America, the Congress, by a joint
resolution approved on May 11, 1950, as amended (64 Stat. 158), has
requested the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people
of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer
for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the
people of the United States might unite in prayer. The Congress, by
Public Law 106-579, has also designated the minute beginning at 3:00
p.m. local time on that day as a time for all Americans to observe the
National Moment of Remembrance.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 31, 2004, as a day of
prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each
locality at 11:00 a.m. of that day as a time to unite in prayer. I
also ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance
beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. I urge the press,
radio, television, and all other media to participate in these
observances.
I also request the Governors of the United States and the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the appropriate officials of all units
of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff until
noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels
throughout the United States, and in all areas under its jurisdiction
and control. I also request the people of the United States to display
the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary forenoon
period.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth
day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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