18 May 2006
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[Federal Register: May 18, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 96)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 29057-29060]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18my06-123]
[[Page 29057]]
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Part IV
The President
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Proclamation 8019--Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2006
Presidential Documents
___________________________________________________________________
Title 3--
The President
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Proclamation 8019 of May 16, 2006
Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2006
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Throughout our history, the men and women who have worn
the uniform of the United States have placed the
security of our Nation before their own safety. America
will be forever grateful for their service and
sacrifice. On Memorial Day, we honor those who have
paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
Defending the ideals of our Nation has required the
service and sacrifice of those from every generation.
From Valley Forge, across Europe and Asia, and in
Afghanistan and Iraq, courageous Americans have given
their lives so that others could live in freedom. These
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen
took an oath to defend America, and they upheld that
oath with bravery and decency. They have liberated the
oppressed, spread freedom and peace, and set a standard
of courage and compassion for our Nation. All who enjoy
the blessings of liberty live in their debt.
This debt of gratitude extends also to the families who
stood by our servicemen and women in times of war and
times of peace. Each of the fallen has left behind
loved ones who carry a burden of grief, and all
Americans are inspired by the strength of these
families.
At this important time in the history of freedom, a new
generation of Americans is defending our flag and our
liberty. These men and women carry on the legacy of our
Nation's fallen heroes and demonstrate that the United
States Armed Forces remain the greatest force for
freedom in human history.
Those who lost their lives in the defense of freedom
helped protect our citizens and lay the foundation of
peace for people everywhere. On Memorial Day, a
grateful Nation pays tribute to their personal courage,
love of country, and dedication to duty.
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 29, 2006, 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 p.m.,
local time, on Memorial Day. I encourage the 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
[[Page 29060]]
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
sixteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand six, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
(Presidential Sig.)B
[FR Doc. 06-4719
Filed 5-17-06; 10:52 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P