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Press Release

U.S. Embassy closed Monday to observe Memorial Day

  • President George W. Bush proclaimed this day as ‘Prayer for Peace Memorial Day 2008’

    • May 23, 2008

    The U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2008, for the American Memorial Day holiday. This includes USAID, Peace Corps and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offices. Embassy services including visa processing will resume on Tuesday, May 27, 2008.

    According to a statement issued by the Embassy, Memorial Day is a federal holiday, observed to honour Americans who have died in the nation's service. The day is observed by remembering ancestors, family members, loved ones, neighbours and friends who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

    An Embassy spokesperson noted, "This is the day when most Americans visit cemeteries and place flags or flowers on the graves of fallen heroes, and participate in a 'National Moment of Remembrance' when Americans pause from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence."

    In marking this year’s occasion, President George W. Bush says, “Throughout our Nation's history, our course has been secured by brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen. These courageous and selfless warriors have stepped forward to protect the Nation they love, fight for America's highest ideals, and show millions that a future of liberty is possible. Freedoms come at great costs, yet the world has been transformed in unimaginable ways because of the noble service and devotion to duty of these brave individuals. Our country honors the sacrifice made by those who have given their lives to spread the blessings of liberty and lay the foundations of peace, and we mourn their loss.”

    Bush continues, “Today, our service men and women continue to inspire and strengthen our Nation, going above and beyond the call of duty as part of the greatest military the world has ever known. Americans are grateful to all those who have put on our Nation's uniform and to their families, and we will always remember their service and sacrifice for our freedoms."

    Memorial Day was officially proclaimed after the U.S. Civil War on May 5, 1868, by General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers from the Northern States and the Southern States at Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C.

    The Embassy invites the Tanzanian public to learn more about Memorial Day and other U.S. holidays by visiting http://tanzania.usembassy.gov.