Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2025
5/24/2025
Action Summary
- Purpose: Commemorate Memorial Day as a sacred day of remembrance for fallen heroes, honoring their sacrifice and promoting a day of prayer for permanent peace.
- Tribute to Sacrifice: Recognize the valor and sacrifices of servicemen and servicewomen, and express unwavering support for America’s Gold Star Families.
- Proclamation Details:
- Memorial Day 2025 is designated as a day of prayer for permanent peace.
- The hour beginning at 11:00 a.m. local time is set aside for unified prayer.
- The National Moment of Remembrance is observed at 3:00 p.m. local time.
- Flag Protocol:
- Request for Governors and officials to ensure flags are flown at half-staff on public buildings, grounds, and naval vessels until noon.
- Encouragement for citizens to display the flag at half-staff during the morning period.
- Invocation: The proclamation calls on citizens to join in prayer for those in mourning, for the protection of those who serve, and for global peace.
Risks & Considerations
- The proclamation for Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace is largely ceremonial and does not introduce new policies or regulations that would directly impact Vanderbilt University.
- There is no immediate risk or requirement for compliance changes for the university, as the proclamation primarily encourages national observance and remembrance.
- Vanderbilt University may choose to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance as a gesture of solidarity and respect, but this is not mandated by the proclamation.
- The emphasis on national unity and remembrance could be an opportunity for the university to engage in community events or educational programs that align with these themes.
Impacted Programs
- Office of Community Engagement could consider organizing or promoting events that honor fallen heroes and support Gold Star Families, aligning with the themes of the proclamation.
- Vanderbilt’s History Department might find opportunities to host discussions or lectures on the historical significance of Memorial Day and the sacrifices of military personnel.
- The Office of Religious Life may facilitate interfaith services or moments of reflection in observance of the day of prayer for permanent peace.
Financial Impact
- There is no direct financial impact on Vanderbilt University as a result of this proclamation.
- Participation in related events or programs would be voluntary and likely involve minimal costs, primarily related to event organization or promotion.
Relevance Score: 1 (The proclamation is ceremonial and does not present any significant impact or risk to the university.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs should consider organizing events or initiatives that align with the national observance of Memorial Day, such as hosting a moment of remembrance or a prayer service. This could strengthen community ties and honor the sacrifices of military families connected to the university.
- The Department of History could develop educational programs or public lectures that explore the historical significance of Memorial Day and the impact of military service on American society. This would enhance the university’s role in promoting historical awareness and civic engagement.
Opportunities
- Vanderbilt can leverage Memorial Day observances to foster partnerships with local and national veterans’ organizations, potentially leading to collaborative research or community service projects that support veterans and their families.
- The university could use this occasion to highlight its commitment to supporting military-connected students and staff, potentially attracting more veterans and military families to its programs and services.
Relevance Score: 2 (The proclamation offers minor opportunities for community engagement and educational initiatives related to Memorial Day observances.)
Timeline for Implementation
- 11:00 a.m. local time on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025: Designated hour for citizens to unite in prayer.
- Until noon on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025: Governors are requested to have the flag flown at half-staff on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels.
- 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025: The National Moment of Remembrance begins.
Relevance Score: 5
Impacted Government Organizations
- State Governors and Territorial Officials: Charged with ensuring that state, local, and territorial government units comply with the directive to fly the flag at half-staff on Memorial Day.
- Federal Government Agencies and Units: The proclamation calls on appropriate officials across all units of government—including those managing federal buildings, grounds, and other facilities—to implement and oversee the flag protocol.
- Department of the Navy (and related military commands): As naval vessels are explicitly mentioned, entities within the Department of the Navy are expected to enforce this order among their fleets.
Relevance Score: 5 (The directive applies across the entire government, impacting a wide range of state, local, and federal agencies.)
Responsible Officials
- Governors of the United States and its Territories – Tasked with directing that on Memorial Day, flags on all government buildings, grounds, and naval vessels be flown at half-staff until noon.
- Appropriate Officials of All Units of Government – Responsible for implementing the flag protocol across various governmental levels.
Relevance Score: 4 (The directives impact state executive leadership and government heads responsible for implementing the flag display order.)