Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2017

In simple terms

This proclamation designates Memorial Day 2017 as a day of prayer for permanent peace, sets 11:00 a.m. local time for unified prayer, urges media cooperation, and requests that governors and officials direct flags be flown at half-staff until noon. It also commemorates the centennial of U.S. entry into World War I and asks Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m.

Federal Register Open PDF 82 FR 24823

Record & deadlines

May 24, 2017Signed
Signed by the President
May 31, 2017FR published
Published in the Federal Register · 82 FR 24823
Federal Register PDF
May 29, 2017
Memorial Day observance, prayer for permanent peace, unified prayer at 11:00 a.m., half-staff flags until noon, National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m.

Key directives

Designate Memorial Day, May 29, 2017, as a day of prayer for permanent peace
Designate 11:00 a.m. local time as time for unified prayer
Urge press, radio, television, and information media to cooperate in observance
Request governors and territorial officials to direct half-staff flag display until noon
Request people to display flag at half-staff from homes for customary forenoon period
Ask Americans to observe National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time

What to expect

Immediate

Proclamation issued May 24, 2017

Near term (90d)

Memorial Day observance on May 29, 2017

Long term

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Risks & tensions

Language is hortatory ('urge,' 'request,' 'ask') rather than mandatory; no enforcement mechanism for flag display or media cooperation
Statutory basis (36 U.S.C. 116, Public Law 106-579) frames this as congressionally requested ceremonial action, not independent presidential policy