[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 21 (Monday, May 30, 2005)]
[Pages 851-852]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7905--Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2005

 May 20, 2005

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    On Memorial Day, we honor the men and women in uniform who have 
given their lives in service to our Nation. When the stakes were 
highest, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen 
answered the call of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice for the 
security of our country and the peace of the world.
    Throughout our Nation's history, members of the Armed Forces have 
taken great risks to keep America strong and free. These proud patriots 
have defended the innocent, freed the oppressed, and helped spread the 
promise of liberty to all corners of the earth. In serving our Nation, 
they have been unrelenting in battle, unwavering in loyalty, and 
unmatched in decency. Because of their selfless courage, millions of 
people who once lived under tyranny now are free, and America is more 
secure.
    On Memorial Day, we remember that this history of great achievement 
has been accompanied by great sacrifice. To secure our freedom, many 
heroic service members have given their lives. This year we mark the 
60th anniversary of the end of World War II, and we remember the 
Americans who died on distant shores defending our Nation in that war. 
On Memorial Day and all year long, we pray for the families of the 
fallen and show our respect for the contributions these men and women 
have made to the story of freedom. Our grateful Nation honors their 
selfless service, and we acknowledge a debt that is beyond our power to 
repay.
    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 30, 2005, 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 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 twentieth day 
of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 24, 2005]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 25. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.

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