[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 22 (Monday, May 31, 2004)]
[Pages 956-957]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7791--Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2004

 May 26, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    For more than two centuries, Americans have been called to defend 
the founding ideals of our democracy. On Memorial Day, a grateful Nation 
remembers the proud patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense 
of liberty's blessings.
    From the opening battles of the American Revolution through the 
turmoil of the Civil War, to World War I, World War II, Korea, and 
Vietnam, to the Persian Gulf and today's operations in the war on terror 
in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the world, the members of our military 
have built a tradition of honorable and faithful service. As we observe 
Memorial Day, we remember the more than one million Americans who have 
died to preserve our freedom, the more than 140,000 citizens who were 
prisoners of war, and all those who were declared missing in action. We 
also honor our veterans for their dedication to America and their 
sacrifice.
    This year, we honor many heroes by observing the 60th anniversary of 
D-Day on the beaches of Normandy, and by dedicating the National World 
War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. In a radio address on June 6, 1944, 
President Franklin Roosevelt described these service members as the 
``pride of our Nation,'' who struggled to preserve our civilization. The 
fallen from that fateful day and that war will always be remembered. 
They hold a cherished place in the history of the United States and in 
the memories of the people they liberated.

[[Page 957]]

    Today, all who wear the uniform of the United States are serving at 
a crucial hour in history, and each has answered a great call to serve 
our Nation on the front lines of freedom. As we continue to fight 
terrorism and promote peace and freedom, let us pray for the safety and 
strength of our troops, for God's blessing on them and their families, 
and for those who have lost loved ones.
    On this Memorial Day, we honor all of our fallen soldiers, their 
commitment to our country, and their legacy of patriotism and sacrifice. 
By giving their lives in the cause of freedom, these heroes have 
protected and inspired all Americans.
    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 31, 2004, 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-sixth 
day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:22 a.m., May 27, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on May 27, and it was published in the Federal Register on May 
28.