    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 7681 of May 22, 2003

    Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2003

    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    On Memorial Day, America undertakes its solemn duty to remember the
    sacred list of brave Americans who have sacrificed their lives for the
    cause of freedom and the security of our Nation. By honoring these proud
    Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen lost throughout
    our country's history, we renew our commitment to upholding the
    democratic ideals they fought and died to preserve.
    Each Memorial Day, we pray for peace throughout the world, remembering
    what was gained and what was lost during times of war. From the bravery
    of the men at Valley Forge, to the daring of Normandy, the courage of
    Iwo Jima, and the steady resolve in Afghanistan and Iraq, our men and
    women in uniform have won for us every hour that we live in freedom.
    During this year's observance, we particularly recognize the courageous
    spirit of the men and women in our Nation's Armed Forces who are working
    with our coalition partners to restore civil order, provide critical
    humanitarian aid, and renew Afghanistan and Iraq. As we honor those who
    have served and have been lost, we

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    better understand the meaning of patriotism and citizenship, and we
    pledge that their sacrifices will not be in vain.
    Throughout our history, the decency, character, and idealism of our
    military troops have turned enemies into allies and oppression into
    hope. In all our victories, American soldiers have fought to liberate,
    not to conquer; and today, the United States joins with a strong
    coalition in the noble cause of liberty and peace for the world. On this
    day, America honors her own, but we also recognize the shared victories
    and hardships of our allied forces who have served and fallen alongside
    our troops.
    The noble sacrifices of our service men and women will not be forgotten.
    Every name, every life is a loss to our military, to our Nation, and to
    their loved ones. Americans stand with the families who grieve, and we
    share in their great sorrow and great pride. There will be no homecoming
    on this Earth for those lost in battle, but we know that this reunion
    will one day come.
    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 26, 2003, 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-second day
    of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
    seventh.
    GEORGE W. BUSH

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    117 STAT. 3050