[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 121, 110th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8145--MAY 15, 2007

Proclamation 8145 of May 15, 2007
Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2007
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On Memorial Day, Americans pause with solemn gratitude and deep respect
for all our fallen service men and women who have given their lives for
our country and our freedom.
Through the generations, the courageous and selfless patriots of our
Armed Forces have secured our liberty and borne its great and precious
cost. When it has mattered most, patriots from every corner of our
Nation have taken up arms to uphold the ideals that make our country a
beacon of hope and freedom for the entire world. By answering the call
of duty with valor and unrelenting determination, they have set a
standard of courage and idealism that inspires us all.
All Americans honor the memory of the lives that have been lost in
defense of our freedom. Our Nation mourns them, and their example of
strength and perseverance gives us resolve. We are also thankful to
those who have stood by our service men and women in times of war and
times of peace.

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121 STAT. 2746

Today, the members of our Armed Forces follow in a proud tradition
handed down to them by the heroes that served before them. They are
protecting our Nation, advancing the blessings of freedom, and laying
the foundation for a more peaceful tomorrow through service that
exemplifies the good and decent character of our Nation. America is
grateful to all those who have worn the uniform of the Armed Forces of
the United States, and we will never forget their sacrifices for our
liberty.
On Memorial Day, we honor all those who have fallen by remembering their
noble sacrifice for freedom. We also pray for our troops, their
families, and for the peace we all seek.
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 28, 2007, 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 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 fifteenth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
GEORGE W. BUSH