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