[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8019--MAY 16, 2006
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.

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120 STAT. 3808

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 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.
GEORGE W. BUSH