Memorial Day

May 25, 2009 -- The President returned from Camp David last night so that this morning he could have breakfast with Gold Star Families in the State Dining Room, participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, and speak at the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery:

President Barack Obama, Memorial Day 2009: President Barack Obama bows his head for a moment of silence at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, Monday, May 25, 2009. White House Photo, Lawrence Jackson.

"Here lie Presidents and privates; Supreme Court justices and slaves; generals familiar to history, and unknown soldiers known only to God.    » read more »

May 25, 2009 -- Washington, DC -- Senator Mike Johanns issued the following statement today in honor of Memorial Day:

"I hope all Nebraskans and all Americans will take a moment over the long weekend to consider how fundamental our freedom is to our way of life," said Johanns. "There are many who have sacrificed to win and protect this freedom. We should remember their commitment to our country and thank them for their brave service."    » read more »

May 25, 2009 -- “Memorial Day is a day when we pause as a nation to give thanks to the more than one million brave men and women who have given their lives for their country. It is a day to remember that the rights we hold dear and the freedoms we cherish are not without sacrifice. New York is proud of the men and women who have stepped forward to serve. They have displayed selfless devotion to preserve the liberties and freedoms enjoyed not only in the United States, but throughout the world.    » read more »

May 23, 2009 -- WASHINGTON – On this Memorial Day weekend, President Barack Obama called on the American people to join him in paying tribute to America’s veterans, servicemen and women – particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice - and their families. America’s troops and their families embody what is best in America, and the American people have a responsibility to serve them as well as they have served us.

The audio and video will be available at 6:00am Saturday, May 23, 2009 at www.whitehouse.gov.

Prepared Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
Saturday, May 23, 2009    » read more »

May 22, 2009 -- WASHINGTON – From parades to somber ceremonies and a moment of silence, Americans will recall the sacrifices of military members who paid the ultimate price for freedom on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.

“From May 23 to May 30, commemorative events at VA national cemeteries will present a sacred responsibility for employees and volunteers to honor these greatest of American heroes,” said Steve Muro, VA’s acting under secretary for memorial affairs. “Since the birth of Memorial Day in 1866, national cemeteries have been the most visible expression of our country’s gratitude for their service.”    » read more »

May 22, 2009 -- CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Following a federal proclamation issued by President Barack Obama on May 22, West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin today issued a proclamation ordering all state flags, along with all United States flags, be displayed at half staff from dawn through noon Monday, May 25, 2009, in recognition of Memorial Day.

The governor also asked all West Virginians who have U.S. and state flags at their residence, to display the flags at half staff from dawn until noon on Monday. Also in conjunction with the Memorial Day recognition, citizens are also being asked to join in the nationwide Moment of Remembrance observance, beginning at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day.    » read more »

Flags to be lowered until noon on Monday, May 25, 2009, in tribute of Memorial Day

May 22, 2009 -- (Salem) - Today Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski ordered all flags at public institutions be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Monday, May 25, 2009, in memory of all Oregonians who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.    » read more »

Governor to Attend Memorial Day Observances

May 22, 2009 -- BISMARCK, N.D. - In accordance with a proclamation signed by the President, North Dakota Governor John Hoeven has proclaimed Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, a day of prayer in North Dakota, and has directed all government agencies to fly the American and North Dakota flags at half staff until noon on that day.

Hoeven will commemorate Memorial Day by attending an observance at the Veterans Memorial located on the state Capitol Grounds beginning at 10:30 a.m. He will also attend a ceremony at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, south of Mandan, beginning at 12 p.m.    » read more »

In Memorial Day address, Governor says fallen ‘exemplify best our nation has to offer'

May 22, 2009 -- LANSING - In her weekly radio address, Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today asked the people of Michigan to remember the meaning and importance of Memorial Day and honor those armed forces members from Michigan who have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"In the year since we last commemorated Memorial Day, 11 more members of our armed forces who called Michigan home died in Iraq or Afghanistan," Granholm said. "A total of 176 service men and women from Michigan have perished in these two wars."    » read more »

May 25, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci issued the following statement today on Memorial Day.

“This weekend, we honor the memory and the sacrifice of military men and women who have died in service to the United States of America. This grateful nation hasn’t forgotten the millions of Americans who have fought to protect our country and its freedoms, and we never will. Some of those soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting this nation and our hearts go out to their families and friends.

“We must also remember that brave men and women continue to serve their country in war zones around the world. Every day, they do their duty. I am humbled by their dedication and commitment.    » read more »

May 22, 2009 -- Colorado Governor Bill Ritter has directed that U.S. and Colorado flags at federal and state facilities be lowered to half-staff this coming Memorial Day (until noon).

"On behalf of the people of Colorado, it is my privilege to honor the brave military men and women of Colorado who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending America's freedoms," Gov. Ritter said. "Their service and our memories of them have become woven into the fabric that makes Colorado and this nation so great, and they will not be forgotten."

"While we can never repay the debt they are owed, we must make every effort to do so," Gov. Ritter said. "We can make sure their families are cared for while they are away, and we can provide jobs for them when they come home.    » read more »

Memorial Day Gasoline Prices

Despite cool weather along the East Coast over the past several weeks, Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start to the summer driving season is upon us. Some may interpret recent increases in gasoline prices as yet another manifestation of a long-standing tendency for gasoline prices to rise dramatically in the days before the holiday weekend.

Memorial Day gas prices: DOE chart    » read more »

May 23, 2008 -- Washington, DC – Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D-DE) issued the following statement today in honor of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26th, 2008.    » read more »

May 23, 2008 -- Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement in commemoration of Memorial Day:

"This weekend we honor the brave men and women who have defended our country and those who have lost their lives on the battlefield. They deserve the very best in return, which is why the Democratic Congress passed the bi-partisan 21st Century GI bill to help them pay for college when they come home.

We believe that if someone is willing to put on the uniform for the United States of America, we should do everything we can to help them and ensure their success when they come home. I'm proud that both of our Democratic candidates for president took time off from the campaign trail to vote in support of this important legislation.    » read more »

May 23, 2008 -- CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Following a federal proclamation issued by President George W. Bush on May 22, West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin today issued a proclamation ordering all state flags, along with all United States flags, be displayed at half staff from dawn through noon Monday, May 26, 2008, in recognition of Memorial Day.

The governor also asked all West Virginians to display their U.S. and state flags on their homes at half staff from dawn until noon on Monday. Also in conjunction with the President’s Memorial Day Proclamation, citizens are also being asked to join in the nationwide observance for permanent peace at 11 a.m. and the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day.

Source: West Virginia Governor