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Office of the Governor
500 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-3212
Media Advisory: Friday, May 22, 2009
Contact: Joe Kafka or Roxy Everson at (605) 773-3212
Gov. Rounds calls on Citizens of South Dakota to Unite in Remembrance on Memorial Day
National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. throughout America
“The moment is a simple act of respect and remembrance that highlights the purpose of this holiday,” said Gov. Rounds. “Memorial Day is a day when we pause as a nation to give thanks to more than one million brave men and women who have given their lives for their country. It is a day to remember that every right we hold dear and every freedom we cherish were paid for by the men and women who gave their lives for our freedoms.”
President Obama has proclaimed Memorial Day, May 25, 2009, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, designating 11 a.m. as a time to unite in prayer, and has asked all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3 p.m. local time.
The President requests the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to direct that the flag be flown at half staff until noon on Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States. Gov. Mike Rounds, in recognizing the President’s request, is directing the flag of the United States to be flown at half staff in South Dakota on Memorial Day until noon on May 25, 2009.
President Obama also requests the people of the United States to display the flag at half staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period.
The White House Commission on Remembrance, established by Congress in 2000, promotes the National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day to honor fellow citizens who died in service to the United States and encourages Americans to Live Honoring America’s Fallen and their families throughout the year by serving our country in their memory.
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