[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 105 (Wednesday, May 31, 2000)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 34907-34908]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-13829]



[[Page 34905]]

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Part VII





The President





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Proclamation 7315--Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2000



Executive Order 13158--Marine Protected Areas
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  Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 105 / Wednesday, May 31, 2000 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 34907]]

                Proclamation 7315 of May 26, 2000

                
Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2000

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                For many Americans, Memorial Day has come to signify 
                the beginning of summer, the opening of the 
                neighborhood pool, and a time for picnics and 
                barbecues. In the midst of these festivities, however, 
                we can too often overlook the holiday's true meaning. 
                Memorial Day was first observed in 1868 in remembrance 
                of those who died in the Civil War; since then our 
                Nation has set this day aside as a solemn occasion on 
                which to pay tribute to all the men and women who have 
                died in service to our country.

                Throughout our Nation's history, brave Americans have 
                donned our country's uniform to defend our freedom and 
                uphold our values, often far from home and in the face 
                of grave danger. From the battles of the Revolutionary 
                War through the epic struggles of World Wars I and II 
                to today's peacekeeping missions in a world with 
                sophisticated weapons and terrorist threats, the men 
                and women of our Armed Forces have served with skill 
                and courage. While the challenges they face have 
                changed with each passing year, their devotion to duty 
                and to country has remained steadfast.

                For more than a million Americans, that devotion cost 
                them their lives but secured for us priceless freedom, 
                peace, and security. While we should remember these 
                patriots every day for the profound contribution they 
                have made to our Nation, we should honor them with 
                special gratitude on Memorial Day.

                This year, to reaffirm the true meaning of Memorial 
                Day, we begin a new tradition by observing a ``National 
                Moment of Remembrance.'' I ask all Americans to unite 
                on Memorial Day in acknowledging the service of 
                America's fallen heroes. Let us reflect on the profound 
                debt we owe to those brave men and women who gave their 
                lives for our Nation, and let us teach current and 
                future generations that our freedom, peace, and 
                prosperity were achieved only through the sacrifice of 
                those who came before them.

                In recognition of those courageous Americans, the 
                Congress, by joint resolution approved on May 11, 1950 
                (64 Stat. 158), has requested the President to issue a 
                proclamation calling upon 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 American people might unite in prayer. In 
                support of the new tradition of a National Moment of 
                Remembrance, the Congress has passed H.Con.Res. 302 
                calling on the people of the United States to observe a 
                National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial 
                Day, May 29, 2000, as a day of prayer for permanent 
                peace, and I designate 3:00 p.m. local time on that day 
                as the time to join in prayer and to observe the 
                National Moment of Remembrance. I urge the press, 
                radio, television, and all other media to participate 
                in this observance.

                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

[[Page 34908]]

                Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels 
                throughout the United States and in all areas under its 
                jurisdiction and control, and I 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, and of the Independence of the United States 
                of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 00-13829
Filed 5-30-00; 12:14 pm]
Billing code 3195-01-P