Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 115 Part 3.djvu/569

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PROCLAMATION 7444—MAY 25, 2001 115 STAT, 2643 At a bridge at Concord, in the muddy trenches of Europe, the rugged mountains of Korea, the dense forests of Asia, or across the burning sands of the Persian Gulf, America's heroes have advanced democracy around the globe and defended the liberties we hold dear. We are particularly mindful of our fallen patriots as we mark the 60th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the 10th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm. We honor the final sacrifice of our service men and women by dedicating our own lives to peace and the defense of freedom. For these ideals they fought, and for these ideals we continue to strive. May we stand with diligence and with humility on the broad shoulders of those whose brave deeds and sacrifice we memorialize today. Let all of us commit this day, whether in public ceremony or in quiet reflection over a single grave, to remember them in fitting tribute. In respect for their devotion to America, the Congress by a joint resolution approved on May 11, 1950 (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 designate Memorial Day, May 28, 2001, 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 flowm 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-fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand one. and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth. GEORGE W. BUSH