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May
23, 2008
Oh, beautiful for Patriots’ dreams that see beyond the years...
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Arlington National Cemetery, Washington |
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Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2008
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
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 Coast Guardsmen. 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 to spread the blessings of liberty and lay the foundations of peace, 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 duty as part of the greatest military the world has ever known. Americans are grateful to all those who have put on our Nation'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 our Armed Forces and their families, and we ask for God's continued guidance of our country.
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 26, 2008, 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 at 3:00 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day. I encourage the 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-second day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.
GEORGE W. BUSH
PRESIDENT LEE MYUNG-BAKUS MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE |
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National Cemetery, Seoul, KoreaThe day is abundant in meaning, a venue and an opportunity to honor the sacrifices of the United States servicemen during the Korean War.
We take this moment to pay tribute to their divine deeds in protecting the banners of peace, freedom, and democrat.
The sacrifice is now a cornerstone of peace and freedom basking all corners of our globe.
Through US soldiers' dedicated sacrifices the Republic of Korea was able to prosper to new economic heights whilst ushering democracy.Koreans will remember all 33,000 champions of the Korean War, for their fight in peace and freedom's cause left us an indelible imprint.
On behalf of all Korean people, I would like to sincerely thank USFK* service members for your effort in ensuring security of the peninsula even at this current moment.
Since the formation of our government in 1948 the ROK-USA alliance has progressed infinitely through thick and thin of history. Now the Alliance is more mature and steadfast.
The blood-forged brothers of ROK and US military boast world's greatest combined defense, bar none. It bolstered not only the relationship between the two nations but also peace and stability in Northeast Asia as well as in the peninsula.
Now the time calls for a mightier Alliance that best suits the Twenty-first Century.
In April's summit, President Bush and I pledged for a strategic alliance that seeks to enlarge common interests on the basis of universal values, strong trust, and strive for peace.
To strive for peace in Northeast Asia and to allay tensions in the peninsula, ROK-US Military Alliance built on trust is an absolute must.
That is the way forward for the peninsula and world peace, also a way to repay the debt of gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives.
I offer my most devout prayers to those who remain in our hearts, and may God's blessings shine on every USFK soldier and their families.
President Lee Myung-bak
*USFK-US Forces Korea, the command name for all US military personnel assigned to Korea since 1970’s, including 8th US Army.
