Memorial Day stands as a sacred day of remembrance, a time for reverence and gratitude towards the brave patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great nation. Throughout American history, courageous men and women have been called upon to defend the cause of liberty on foreign shores and to protect our homeland. The noble sacrifices made by these heroes are forever marked by flag-draped coffins and the silent sorrows of those they left behind. It is vital that we never forget those who have given everything for our country.
America’s Gold Star Families—those who have lost sons, daughters, wives, and husbands in service—endure unimaginable heartache. These families have shown remarkable courage and resilience, having lost loved ones who selflessly dedicated their lives to protect our sovereignty. They have our unwavering support, deepest gratitude, and highest respect. The lives lost in war serve as a poignant reminder of why we must continue to pursue peace through strength. We are eternally indebted to our nation’s fallen heroes.
On this solemn day of remembrance, the First Lady and I invite all citizens to join us in prayer, asking Almighty God to comfort those who mourn, grant protection to all who serve, and bring blessed peace to the world. In honor of our fallen heroes, the United States Congress, through a joint resolution approved on May 11, 1950, has requested the President to issue a proclamation. This proclamation calls on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and to designate a period on that day when the nation might unite in prayer.
Additionally, under Public Law 106-579, Congress has designated 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day as the National Moment of Remembrance, a time for all Americans to observe in their own way. Therefore, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, the President of the United States, hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, as a day of prayer for permanent peace. I designate the hour beginning at 11:00 a.m. local time on that day for people to unite in prayer.
I urge all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance starting at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. Furthermore, I request that the Governors of the United States and its Territories, along with appropriate officials from all government units, ensure that on Memorial Day, the flag be flown at half-staff until noon on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. I also encourage citizens to display the flag at half-staff from their homes during the customary forenoon period.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and forty-ninth.
