‘Turning to Almighty God’: 5 profound Memorial Day proclamations

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Monday, May 31, 2021

1963

Months before he was assassinated, President John F. Kennedy issued a Memorial Day proclamation, with the May 30 observance falling on a Thursday that year.

“I urge all citizens on that day to invoke God's blessing on those who have died in defense of our country and to pray for a world of freedom with peace and justice,” Kennedy stated.

“I designate the hour beginning in each locality at eleven o'clock in the morning of that day as the time to unite in such prayer. I also urge the press, radio, television, and all other media of information to cooperate in this observance.”

The proclamation also spoke about the need to “keep faith with our heroic dead by humbly and devoutly supplicating Almighty God for guidance in our efforts to achieve a peaceful world.”