[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 20 (Monday, May 26, 2008)]
[Pages 742-743]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8260--Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2008

 May 22, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    On Memorial Day, we honor the heroes who have laid down their lives 
in the cause of freedom, resolve that they will forever be remembered by 
a grateful Nation, and pray that our country may always prove worthy of 
the sacrifices they have made.
    Throughout our Nation's history, our course has been secured by 
brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen. These 
courageous and selfless warriors have stepped forward to protect the 
Nation they love, fight for America's highest ideals, and show millions 
that a future of liberty is possible. Freedoms come at great costs, yet 
the world has been transformed in unimaginable ways because of the noble 
service and devotion to duty of these brave individuals. Our country 
honors the sacrifice made by those who have given their lives to spread 
the blessings of liberty and lay the foundations of peace, and we mourn 
their loss.
    Today, our service men and women continue to inspire and strengthen 
our Nation, going above and beyond the call of duty as part of the 
greatest military the world has ever known. Americans are grateful to 
all those who have put on our Nation's uniform and to their families, 
and we will always remember their service and sacrifice for our 
freedoms.
    On this solemn day our country unites to pay tribute to the fallen, 
who demonstrated the strength of their convictions and paid the cost of 
freedom. We pray for the members of our Armed Forces and their families, 
and we ask for God's continued guidance of our country.
    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, 2008, 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

[[Page 743]]

to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 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 twenty-second 
day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:05 a.m., May 27, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on May 
28.