WHEREAS:    Memorial Day was first observed in 1868, established to honor those who gave their lives in the Civil War. Since then, our nation has set this day aside each year as a solemn occasion to pay tribute to all the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and in defense of liberty and justice for all; and
 
WHEREAS:    Generations of our country’s finest have defended our nation with honor and distinction. As proud Americans, we must never take for granted the sacrifices those men and women made, and we vow to always defend the freedom and liberty for which they fought; and
 
WHEREAS:    During this Memorial Day observance, we honor our fallen soldiers, thank them for their commitment to our country, and recall their legacy of patriotism. By giving their lives to the cause of freedom, these heroes have protected and inspired all Americans; and
 
WHEREAS:    By paying homage to the proud Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who have given their full measure of devotion for our great nation, we renew our commitment to upholding the ideals they fought and died to preserve; and
 
WHEREAS:    We pray for peace throughout the world, remembering all that is gained and all that is lost during times of war. 
 
NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, Governor of the State Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Arkansas, do hereby proclaim May 29th, 2023, as

"MEMORIAL DAY"

 
and urge the citizens of the state to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.
 
FUTHERMORE, as a part of our observance of this special day, I hereby direct that on this Memorial Day, the United States flag shall be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff.  The mourning period proclaimed on May 22, 2023, in tribute to the memory of Robert Marion Berry, shall resume at sunset on May 30, 2023, and conclude on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at sunset.
 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 26th day of May, in the year of our Lord 2023.