[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 20 (Monday, May 22, 2006)]
[Pages 940-941]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8019--Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2006

 May 16, 2006

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Throughout our history, the men and women who have worn the uniform 
of the United States have placed the security of our Nation before their 
own safety. America will be forever grateful for their service and 
sacrifice. On Memorial Day, we honor those who have paid the ultimate 
price for our freedom.
    Defending the ideals of our Nation has required the service and 
sacrifice of those from

[[Page 941]]

every generation. From Valley Forge, across Europe and Asia, and in 
Afghanistan and Iraq, courageous Americans have given their lives so 
that others could live in freedom. These Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, 
Marines, and Coast Guardsmen took an oath to defend America, and they 
upheld that oath with bravery and decency. They have liberated the 
oppressed, spread freedom and peace, and set a standard of courage and 
compassion for our Nation. All who enjoy the blessings of liberty live 
in their debt.
    This debt of gratitude extends also to the families who stood by our 
servicemen and women in times of war and times of peace. Each of the 
fallen has left behind loved ones who carry a burden of grief, and all 
Americans are inspired by the strength of these families.
    At this important time in the history of freedom, a new generation 
of Americans is defending our flag and our liberty. These men and women 
carry on the legacy of our Nation's fallen heroes and demonstrate that 
the United States Armed Forces remain the greatest force for freedom in 
human history.
    Those who lost their lives in the defense of freedom helped protect 
our citizens and lay the foundation of peace for people everywhere. On 
Memorial Day, a grateful Nation pays tribute to their personal courage, 
love of country, and dedication to duty.
    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 29, 2006, as a day of 
prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each 
locality at 11 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 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day. I encourage 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 sixteenth day 
of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:52 a.m., May 17, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 18.