[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7905--MAY 20, 2005
Proclamation 7905 of May 20, 2005
Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2005
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On Memorial Day, we honor the men and women in uniform who have given
their lives in service to our Nation. When the stakes were high

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est, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen
answered the call of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice for the
security of our country and the peace of the world.
Throughout our Nation's history, members of the Armed Forces have taken
great risks to keep America strong and free. These proud patriots have
defended the innocent, freed the oppressed, and helped spread the
promise of liberty to all corners of the earth. In serving our Nation,
they have been unrelenting in battle, unwavering in loyalty, and
unmatched in decency. Because of their selfless courage, millions of
people who once lived under tyranny now are free, and America is more
secure.
On Memorial Day, we remember that this history of great achievement has
been accompanied by great sacrifice. To secure our freedom, many heroic
service members have given their lives. This year we mark the 60th
anniversary of the end of World War II, and we remember the Americans
who died on distant shores defending our Nation in that war. On Memorial
Day and all year long, we pray for the families of the fallen and show
our respect for the contributions these men and women have made to the
story of freedom. Our grateful Nation honors their selfless service, and
we acknowledge a debt that is beyond our power to repay.
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 30, 2005, 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 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 twentieth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH