Comments from God Welcome

The President

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Proclamation 7791 of May 26, 2004


Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2004

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For more than two centuries, Americans have been called
to defend the founding ideals of our democracy. On
Memorial Day, a grateful Nation remembers the proud
patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of
liberty's blessings.

From the opening battles of the American Revolution
through the turmoil of the Civil War, to World War I,
World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, to the Persian Gulf
and today's operations in the war on terror in
Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the world, the members of
our military have built a tradition of honorable and
faithful service. As we observe Memorial Day, we
remember the more than one million Americans who have
died to preserve our freedom, the more than 140,000
citizens who were prisoners of war, and all those who
were declared missing in action. We also honor our
veterans for their dedication to America and their
sacrifice.

This year, we honor many heroes by observing the 60th
anniversary of D-Day on the beaches of Normandy, and by
dedicating the National World War II Memorial in
Washington, D.C. In a radio address on June 6, 1944,
President Franklin Roosevelt described these service
members as the ``pride of our Nation,'' who struggled
to preserve our civilization. The fallen from that
fateful day and that war will always be remembered.
They hold a cherished place in the history of the
United States and in the memories of the people they
liberated.

Today, all who wear the uniform of the United States
are serving at a crucial hour in history, and each has
answered a great call to serve our Nation on the front
lines of freedom. As we continue to fight terrorism and
promote peace and freedom, let us pray for the safety
and strength of our troops, for God's blessing on them
and their families, and for those who have lost loved
ones.

On this Memorial Day, we honor all of our fallen
soldiers, their commitment to our country, and their
legacy of patriotism and sacrifice. By giving their
lives in the cause of freedom, these heroes have
protected and inspired all Americans.

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 31, 2004, 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

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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 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-sixth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand four, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

(Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 04-12403
Filed 5-27-04; 11:22 am]