Bush Proclaims Memorial Day as Day of Prayer for Peace

President Bush officially proclaimed the upcoming Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace

By Kenneth Chan, Monday, May 23, 2005

President Bush officially announced the upcoming Memorial Day day of prayer to begin 11 a.m. in each region. He urged all Americans to unite in prayer for permanent peace.

In a statement released by the White House on Friday, the president requested the United States Governors, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Governeor, and all appropriate governmental unit officials to fly the flag at half-staff in all areas under their jurisdiction until noon on Memorial Day. In addition, President Bush asked that the request be honored in all buildings, grounds, and American naval-vessels throughout the United States.

“On Memorial Day, we remember that this history of great achievement has been accompanied by great sacrifice,” Bush said in the May 20 statement. “To secure our freedom, many heroic service members have given their lives. This year we mark the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, and we remember the Americans who died on distant shores defending our Nation in that war. On Memorial Day and all year long, we pray for the families of the fallen and show our respect for the contributions these men and women have made to the story of freedom," the president stated.

“Our grateful Nation honors their selfless service, and we acknowledge a debt that is beyond our power to repay,” added the president.

Since May 11, 1950, the Congress has annually requested the president to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and designate a time period for the prayer.

In addition to proclaiming May 30, 2005 as the day of prayer for permanent peace, Bush also asked on Friday that all Americans observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.