BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
The most formidable military force in history is founded on the exceptional service of selfless individuals who protect our freedom and maintain our way of life. For nearly 250 years since our Nation’s inception, countless lives have been sacrificed in this honorable and just cause. On Memorial Day, we pay tribute to these American heroes.
The continued strength, power, and prosperity of America are sustained by the remarkable bravery and sacrifice of those in uniform who willingly risk their lives for its defense. From the icy terrains of Valley Forge and the shores of Normandy to the jungles of Vietnam and the mountains of Afghanistan, the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces form the bedrock of our Republic. Today, we particularly remember the 13 members of the Joint Force who perished in support of Operation Epic Fury, defending our national security and safeguarding liberty for future generations. These warriors gave their lives for the cause of freedom, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
All Americans inherit the precious gift of liberty, purchased with the blood of courageous warriors and the grief of those they left behind. It is appropriate and necessary for our Nation to pause annually to reflect on the enduring and significant cost of freedom. However, the immense weight of what has been given up for the greater good requires our eternal respect and unwavering gratitude every day.
On this solemn day, the First Lady and I invite you to join us in praying for lasting peace in this turbulent world, for the protection of those in danger, and for the comfort of Almighty God for all who mourn.
To honor all our fallen heroes, Congress, through a joint resolution approved on May 11, 1950, as amended (36 U.S.C. 116), has requested the President to issue a proclamation urging the people of the United States to observe Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and to designate a time on that day for communal prayer. Moreover, Congress, through Public Law 106–579, has designated 3:00 p.m. local time on that day for all Americans to individually observe the National Moment of Remembrance.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 25, 2026, as a day of prayer for permanent peace. I designate the hour starting at 11:00 a.m. in each locality on that day as a time for people to unite in prayer. I urge all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. I also request the Governors of the United States and its Territories, along with appropriate officials of all governmental units, to ensure that on Memorial Day the flag is 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. Additionally, I request citizens 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 twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
