Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2011

This proclamation designates Memorial Day, May 30, 2011, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, sets 11:00 a.m. local time for united prayer, and asks Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. It requests governors and officials to fly flags at half-staff until noon on federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels, and encourages citizens to display flags at half-staff at home during the forenoon.

Federal Register Open PDF 76 FR 32065

Impact dates

May 30, 2011
Memorial Day observance: prayer for permanent peace, 11:00 a.m. united prayer, 3:00 p.m. National Moment of Remembrance, flags at half-staff until noon

Key directives

proclaim Memorial Day, May 30, 2011 as day of prayer for permanent peace
designate 11:00 a.m. local time as time to unite in prayer
ask Americans to observe National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time
request governors and appropriate officials direct flags flown at half-staff until noon on federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels
request people display flag at half-staff from homes for customary forenoon period

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Memorial Day observance on May 30, 2011
flag half-staff until noon
prayer at 11:00 a.m. local time
National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

Language is hortatory ('I ask', 'I request') rather than mandatory; no enforcement mechanism for private citizens
Flag half-staff request to governors carries customary but not legally binding force for state compliance