From another List
WHITE HOUSE PROCLAMATION
MEMORIAL DAY
For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 27, 2004
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
I hold it up and show my buddies
Like we ain't scared and our boots ain't muddy
But no one laughs 'cause there ain't nothin' funny when a soldier cries
John Michael Montgomery, "Letters From Home"
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Grown men can learn from very little children,
for the hearts of little children are pure.
Therefore, the Great Spirit may show them things
which older people miss. Black Elk