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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release May 29, 2000

PRESIDENT CLINTON PARTICIPATES IN MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES

Today, President Clinton will participate in Memorial Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. The President will place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unkowns and address a Memorial Day observance in honor of active duty military personnel and veterans, in recognition of their service to our country. Defense Secretary William Cohen and Veterans Affairs Secretary Togo West, Jr. will also participate in the Arlington Cemetery events.

In the afternoon, the White House will join the Nation in observing a "National Moment of Remembrance," which asks each American to pause for one minute at 3:00 p.m. local time to reflect and remember the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes. This simple, brief reflection asks little compared with what we have asked of our servicemen and women.

The recently passed House Concurrent Resolution 302 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 100 have established the "National Moment of Remembrance" as an important part of this year's program to honor those Americans who died while defending our nation and its values. Earlier this month, President Clinton directed all executive departments and agencies to recognize and promote a "National Moment of Remembrance" on Memorial Day.

WREATH LAYING CEREMONY
Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetery

Escorts for Wreath Laying Ceremony
Major General Robert Ivany, Commander, Military District of Washington Honor Guard

Order of Events
"The Star Spangled Banner" is performed. The President, accompanied by Military Honor Guards, places the wreath on stand
"Taps" is played
A moment of silence is observed
The program concludes

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE
Amphitheater, Arlington National Cemetery

Order of Events
The Colors are presented.
The Invocation is given by Colonel Michael Durham, Command Chaplain, Military District of
Washington
"The Star Spangled Banner" is performed by the United States Navy Band "Battle Hymn of the Republic" is performed by the Navy Sea Chanters and the United States Navy Band
Major General Robert Ivany makes welcoming remarks and introduces Defense Secretary William Cohen
Defense Secretary William Cohen makes brief remarks and introduces President Clinton
The President makes remarks
"God of Our Fathers" is performed by the Navy Sea Chanters and the United States Navy Band
The Benediction is given by Colonel Michael Durham "Taps" is played
The Colors are retired
Postlude
The program concludes

NATIONAL MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE
Blue Room Balcony, The White House
In observance of the "National Moment of Remembrance" the principal trumpeter of the President's Own U.S. Marine Band will face Arlington National Cemetery and play "Taps" at 3:00 p.m.

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