[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 21 (Monday, May 26, 2003)]
[Pages 648-649]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7681--Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2003

 May 22, 2003

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    On Memorial Day, America undertakes its solemn duty to remember the 
sacred list of brave Americans who have sacrificed their lives for the 
cause of freedom and the security of our Nation. By honoring these proud 
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen lost throughout 
our country's history, we renew our commitment to upholding the 
democratic ideals they fought and died to preserve.
    Each Memorial Day, we pray for peace throughout the world, 
remembering what was gained and what was lost during times of war. From 
the bravery of the men at Valley Forge, to the daring of Normandy, the 
courage of Iwo Jima, and the steady resolve in Afghanistan and Iraq, our 
men and women in uniform have won for us every hour that

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we live in freedom. During this year's observance, we particularly 
recognize the courageous spirit of the men and women in our Nation's 
Armed Forces who are working with our coalition partners to restore 
civil order, provide critical humanitarian aid, and renew Afghanistan 
and Iraq. As we honor those who have served and have been lost, we 
better understand the meaning of patriotism and citizenship, and we 
pledge that their sacrifices will not be in vain.
    Throughout our history, the decency, character, and idealism of our 
military troops have turned enemies into allies and oppression into 
hope. In all our victories, American soldiers have fought to liberate, 
not to conquer; and today, the United States joins with a strong 
coalition in the noble cause of liberty and peace for the world. On this 
day, America honors her own, but we also recognize the shared victories 
and hardships of our allied forces who have served and fallen alongside 
our troops.
    The noble sacrifices of our service men and women will not be 
forgotten. Every name, every life is a loss to our military, to our 
Nation, and to their loved ones. Americans stand with the families who 
grieve, and we share in their great sorrow and great pride. There will 
be no homecoming on this Earth for those lost in battle, but we know 
that this reunion will one day come.
    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 26, 2003, 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, 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 three, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:48 a.m., May 27, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on May 23, and it will be published in the Federal Register on 
May 28.