[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 21 (Monday, May 29, 2000)]
[Pages 1236-1237]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7315--Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2000

May 26, 2000

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    For many Americans, Memorial Day has come to signify the beginning 
of summer, the opening of the neighborhood pool, and a time for picnics 
and barbecues. In the midst of these festivities, however, we can too 
often overlook the holiday's true meaning. Memorial Day was first 
observed in 1868 in remembrance of those who died in the Civil War; 
since then our Nation has set this day aside as a solemn occasion on 
which to pay tribute to all the men and women who have died in service 
to our country.
    Throughout our Nation's history, brave Americans have donned our 
country's uniform to defend our freedom and uphold our values, often far 
from home and in the face of grave danger. From the battles of the 
Revolutionary War through the epic struggles of World Wars I and II to 
today's peacekeeping missions in a world with sophisticated weapons and 
terrorist threats, the men and women of our Armed Forces have served 
with skill and courage. While the challenges they face have changed with 
each passing year, their

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devotion to duty and to country has remained steadfast.
    For more than a million Americans, that devotion cost them their 
lives but secured for us priceless freedom, peace, and security. While 
we should remember these patriots every day for the profound 
contribution they have made to our Nation, we should honor them with 
special gratitude on Memorial Day.
    This year, to reaffirm the true meaning of Memorial Day, we begin a 
new tradition by observing a ``National Moment of Remembrance.'' I ask 
all Americans to unite on Memorial Day in acknowledging the service of 
America's fallen heroes. Let us reflect on the profound debt we owe to 
those brave men and women who gave their lives for our Nation, and let 
us teach current and future generations that our freedom, peace, and 
prosperity were achieved only through the sacrifice of those who came 
before them.
    In recognition of those courageous Americans, the Congress, by joint 
resolution approved on May 11, 1950 (64 Stat. 158), has requested the 
President to issue a proclamation calling upon 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 American people 
might unite in prayer. In support of the new tradition of a National 
Moment of Remembrance, the Congress has passed H.Con.Res. 302 calling on 
the people of the United States to observe a National Moment of 
Remembrance on Memorial Day.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 29, 2000, as a 
day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate 3:00 p.m. local time 
on that day as the time to join in prayer and to observe the National 
Moment of Remembrance. I urge the press, radio, television, and all 
other media to participate in this observance.
    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, and I 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, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
fourth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 12:14 p.m., May 30, 
2000]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on May 
31.