65FR34905 P-7315 Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2000
The President of the United States
Posting-number: Volume 65, Issue 105, Page 34905
[Federal Register: May 31, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 105)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 34905-34908]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr31my00-121]
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Part VII
The President
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Proclamation 7315--Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2000
Executive Order 13158--Marine Protected Areas
Presidential Documents
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Title 3--
The President
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Proclamation 7315 of May 26, 2000
Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2000
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
For many Americans, Memorial Day has come to signify
the beginning of summer, the opening of the
neighborhood pool, and a time for picnics and
barbecues. In the midst of these festivities, however,
we can too often overlook the holiday's true meaning.
Memorial Day was first observed in 1868 in remembrance
of those who died in the Civil War; since then our
Nation has set this day aside as a solemn occasion on
which to pay tribute to all the men and women who have
died in service to our country.
Throughout our Nation's history, brave Americans have
donned our country's uniform to defend our freedom and
uphold our values, often far from home and in the face
of grave danger. From the battles of the Revolutionary
War through the epic struggles of World Wars I and II
to today's peacekeeping missions in a world with
sophisticated weapons and terrorist threats, the men
and women of our Armed Forces have served with skill
and courage. While the challenges they face have
changed with each passing year, their devotion to duty
and to country has remained steadfast.
For more than a million Americans, that devotion cost
them their lives but secured for us priceless freedom,
peace, and security. While we should remember these
patriots every day for the profound contribution they
have made to our Nation, we should honor them with
special gratitude on Memorial Day.
This year, to reaffirm the true meaning of Memorial
Day, we begin a new tradition by observing a ``National
Moment of Remembrance.'' I ask all Americans to unite
on Memorial Day in acknowledging the service of
America's fallen heroes. Let us reflect on the profound
debt we owe to those brave men and women who gave their
lives for our Nation, and let us teach current and
future generations that our freedom, peace, and
prosperity were achieved only through the sacrifice of
those who came before them.
In recognition of those courageous Americans, the
Congress, by joint resolution approved on May 11, 1950
(64 Stat. 158), has requested the President to issue a
proclamation calling upon 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 American people might unite in prayer. In
support of the new tradition of a National Moment of
Remembrance, the Congress has passed H.Con.Res. 302
calling on the people of the United States to observe a
National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial
Day, May 29, 2000, as a day of prayer for permanent
peace, and I designate 3:00 p.m. local time on that day
as the time to join in prayer and to observe the
National Moment of Remembrance. I urge the press,
radio, television, and all other media to participate
in this observance.
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
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Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels
throughout the United States and in all areas under its
jurisdiction and control, and I 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, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth.
(Presidential Sig.)<Clinton1><Clinton2>
[FR Doc. 00-13829
Filed 5-30-00; 12:14 pm]
Billing code 3195-01-P