Ronald Reagan

“ Those who have sacrificed their lives for our country serve as a reminder that our work is unfinished. With vision and purpose and a prayer in our hearts, let us dedicate ourselves to their memory.
In recognition of those Americans to whom we pay tribute today, the Congress, by joint resolution of May 11, 1950 (64 Stat. 158) , has requested the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer. ”

“ Thus, we are prepared to assist other nations in their struggle for economic progress; to help those in other lands who suffer from political repression and injustice; to deter aggression by strengthening democracy around the globe ”