[Federal Register: May 28, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 102)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 31933-31936]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28my03-97]
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Part IX
The President
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Proclamation 7681--Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2003
Presidential Documents
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Title 3--
The President
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Proclamation 7681 of May 22, 2003
Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On Memorial Day, America undertakes its solemn duty to
remember the sacred list of brave Americans who have
sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and the
security of our Nation. By honoring these proud
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen
lost throughout our country's history, we renew our
commitment to upholding the democratic ideals they
fought and died to preserve.
Each Memorial Day, we pray for peace throughout the
world, remembering what was gained and what was lost
during times of war. From the bravery of the men at
Valley Forge, to the daring of Normandy, the courage of
Iwo Jima, and the steady resolve in Afghanistan and
Iraq, our men and women in uniform have won for us
every hour that we live in freedom. During this year's
observance, we particularly recognize the courageous
spirit of the men and women in our Nation's Armed
Forces who are working with our coalition partners to
restore civil order, provide critical humanitarian aid,
and renew Afghanistan and Iraq. As we honor those who
have served and have been lost, we better understand
the meaning of patriotism and citizenship, and we
pledge that their sacrifices will not be in vain.
Throughout our history, the decency, character, and
idealism of our military troops have turned enemies
into allies and oppression into hope. In all our
victories, American soldiers have fought to liberate,
not to conquer; and today, the United States joins with
a strong coalition in the noble cause of liberty and
peace for the world. On this day, America honors her
own, but we also recognize the shared victories and
hardships of our allied forces who have served and
fallen alongside our troops.
The noble sacrifices of our service men and women will
not be forgotten. Every name, every life is a loss to
our military, to our Nation, and to their loved ones.
Americans stand with the families who grieve, and we
share in their great sorrow and great pride. There will
be no homecoming on this Earth for those lost in
battle, but we know that this reunion will one day
come.
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, 2003, 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.
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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 three, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.
(Presidential Sig.)B
[FR Doc. 03-13508
Filed 5-27-03; 8:48 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P