By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Whereas the high courage and the supreme sacrifice
of Americans who gave their lives in battle have made it
possible for our land to flourish under freedom and
justice; and
Whereas the ideals and patriotism of those who
answered the call to service stand as an inspiration to
every new generation of Americans; and
Whereas the same principles and revolutionary
beliefs for which our forbears fought and died are still
at issue in the world and the challenge against them can
be met only through the same qualities of courage,
strength, and unflinching determination shown by our
noble dead; and
Whereas Memorial Day each year provides a fitting
occasion upon which our people may not only commemorate
the Nation's heroic dead but also unite in prayer for
the preservation of liberty and peace free from the
threat of war; and
Whereas to this end the Congress, in a joint
resolution approved May 11, 1950 (64 Stat. 158),
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:
Now, Therefore, I, John F. Kennedy,
President of the United States, do hereby urge the
people of the United States to observe Tuesday, May 30,
1961, Memorial Day, by invoking the blessing of God on
those who have died in defense of our country, and by
praying for a new world of law where peace and justice
shall prevail and a life of opportunity shall be assured
for all; and 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.
In Witness Whereof,
I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the
United States of America to be affixed.
DONE at
the City of Washington this 24th day of April in the
year of our Lord nineteen hundred and sixty-one, and of
the Independence of the United States of America the one
hundred and eighty-fifth.
JOHN F. KENNEDY
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