[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9454 of May 26, 2016

Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

With courage and a love of country that knows no limits, America's men
and women in uniform exemplify patriotism at its core--stepping into
harm's way to protect our people and to safeguard the ideals that have
long sustained our democracy. Those who serve under the stars and
stripes embody the highest form of citizenship, and on Memorial Day, we
pay solemn tribute to those brave Americans who laid down their lives to
defend our freedom.
Since America's earliest days, proud patriots have forged a safer, more
secure Nation, and though battlefields have changed and technology has
evolved, the selflessness of our service members has remained steadfast.
They have stepped forward when our country was locked in revolution and
civil war; fought threats of fascism and terrorism; and led the way in
securing peace and stability around the globe. They have sacrificed more
than most of us could ever imagine--not for glory or gratitude, but for
causes greater than themselves. In the children who replicate their
courage and strength, in the spouses and partners who forever seek to
mend their broken hearts, and in the parents who mourn the absence of
the sons and daughters they raised, we are reminded of our enduring
commitment to do right by our fallen warriors and their families.
Those who gave their last full measure of devotion for the values that
bind us as one people deserve our utmost respect and gratitude. In
recognizing those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we pledge to never
stop working to fulfill our obligations to all members of our Armed

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Forces so they know we stand beside them every step of the way--not just
when we need them, but also when they need us.
Today, and every day, let us remember the servicemen and women we have
lost, and let us honor them by rededicating ourselves to strengthening
our Nation's promise. With love, grace, and reflection, let us honor our
fallen fellow Americans, known and unknown, who sacrificed their freedom
to ensure our own.
In honor of all of our fallen service members, the Congress, by a joint
resolution approved May 11, 1950, as amended (36 U.S.C. 116), has
requested the President 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 30, 2016, 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 during which people may
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 request the
Governors of the United States and its Territories, 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-sixth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA