Proclamation 9896-Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2019
Issued 2019-05-24 by Donald J. Trump
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Trump issued this proclamation to officially designate Memorial Day 2019 as a day of prayer for permanent peace. The proclamation honors fallen American service members from conflicts ranging from the Revolutionary War to present-day operations in the Middle East, and calls on Americans to remember those who died in military service. It specifically mentions the upcoming 75th anniversary of D-Day and those who died on the beaches of Normandy.
The proclamation designates a specific hour beginning at 11:00 a.m. local time on Memorial Day as a time for prayer, and asks Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time. It directs that the American flag be flown at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day at all government buildings, grounds, and naval vessels, and requests that individual Americans display the flag at half-staff at their homes during the morning hours.
This is a ceremonial proclamation that expresses national remembrance and gratitude for fallen service members. It does not create new laws or impose legal requirements on citizens, but rather follows a long presidential tradition of issuing proclamations for commemorative purposes. Congress previously authorized presidents to issue such Memorial Day proclamations through laws passed in 1950 and 2000.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9896-Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2019" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to prayer for peace. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2019 Proclamation 9896—Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2019 May 24, 2019 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Whether on the battlefields of Bunker Hill, on the beaches of Normandy, in the jungles of Vietnam, or in the mountains and deserts of the Middle East, brave Americans of every generation have given their last full measure of devotion in defense of our country, our liberty, and our founding ideals. On Memorial Day, we humbly honor these incredible patriots and firmly renew our abiding commitment to uphold the principles for which they laid down their lives. As a free people, we have a sacred duty to remember the courageous warriors who have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that our great country would endure. It is our responsibility to strive to ensure that their noble acts of dedication to our country and the cause of freedom were not in vain and to comfort the families they have left behind, who bear the heartbreak of their loss. We must ensure that the light of our Republic, and all for which these most honorable Americans willingly died, continues to shine forth brightly into the world. As President Lincoln said in 1863 during the dedication of the Gettysburg National Military