[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

123 STAT. 3654
 
PROCLAMATION 8385--MAY 22, 2009

Proclamation 8385 of May 22, 2009
Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

For over two centuries, Americans have defended our Nation's security
and protected our founding principles of democracy and equal justice
under law. On Memorial Day, we honor those who have paid the ultimate
price in defense of these freedoms.
Members of the United States Armed Forces have placed our Nation's
safety before their own for generations. From the first shots fired at
Lexington and Concord to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan,
these brave patriots have taken on great risks to keep us safe, and they
have served with honor and distinction. All Americans who have enjoyed
the blessings of peace and liberty remain in their debt.

As we remember the selfless service of our fallen heroes, we pray for
God's grace upon them. We also pray for all of our military personnel
and veterans, their families, and all those who have lost loved ones in
the defense of our freedom and safety.
Today, as we commend their deeds, we also bear a heavy burden of
responsibility to ensure that their sacrifices will not have been in
vain. This means that, as we uphold the ideals for which many have given
their last full measure of devotion, the United States must never waver
in its determination to defend itself, to be faithful in protecting
liberty at home and abroad, and to pursue peace in the world.
In respect for their dedication and service to America, the Congress, by
a joint resolution approved on May 11, 1950, as amended (36 U.S.C. 116),
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 3:00 p.m. local time on that day
as a time for all Americans to observe, in their own way, the National
Moment of Remembrance.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 25, 2009, 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, websites, 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 nine, and of

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123 STAT. 3655

the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA