12 2 STA T .53 15 PROCL A M AT I O N8 2 60— MA Y 22 , 2008 Proclam a ti o n8260 o fM a y 22 , 2008 Praye r fo r Pea c e ,M e m or i a lD ay, 20 0 8BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation OnMemorialD a y,w e h onor t he heroe s who ha v e lai d down their lives in the c a u seo f freedom, resolve that they will forever b e remembered bya g rateful N ation, and p ray that our country may always prove wor - thy of the sacrifices they have made .T hroughout our Nation ’ s history, our course has been secured by brave S oldiers, Sailors, A irmen, Marines, and C oast G uardsmen. These coura- geous 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. F reedoms 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 k nown. 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 free- doms. 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. W e pray for the members of our Armed Forces and their fami- lies, and we ask for God’s continued guidance of our country. I n respect for their devotion to America, the Congress, by a j oint reso- lution approved on May 1 1,1 950 , as amended (64 Stat. 15 8) , has re- q uested the P resident to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the U nited States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the peo- ple of the United States might unite in prayer. The Congress, by Public L aw 106 – 5 7 9, 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 Na- tional Moment of R emembrance. NOW, T HE REFORE, I, GEORGE W. B USH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 2 6, 2008, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour begin- ning 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 Re- membrance beginning at 3:00 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day. I en- courage 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
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