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 CoastGuardsmen. 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 tospread the blessings of liberty and lay the foundations ofpeace, 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 dutyas part of the greatest military the world has ever known. Americans are grateful to all those who have put on ourNation'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 ourArmed Forces and their families, and we ask for God's continued guidance of our country.

In respect for their devotion to America, the Congress, bya joint resolution approved on May11, 1950, as amended (64Stat. 158), has requested the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the UnitedStates to observe each Memorial Day asa day of prayer for permanent peaceand designating a period onthat day when the people ofthe UnitedStates might unite in prayer. The Congress, by PublicLaw106‑579, has also designated the minute beginning at3:00p.m. local time on that day as a time for all Americans toobserve the National Moment of Remembrance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the UnitedStates of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May26, 2008, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11:00a.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 3:00p.m., local time, on Memorial Day. I encourage the media to participate in these observances. I also request the Governors of the UnitedStates 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 homesfor 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 UnitedStates ofAmerica thetwohundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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