[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 96 (Thursday, May 18, 2006)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 29059-29060]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-4719]



[[Page 29057]]

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Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 8019--Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2006
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  Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 96 / Thursday, May 18, 2006 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 29059]]

                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