Changing the date of Memorial Day just to create a three-day weekend has weakened the day's meaning. We support the bill introduced by Senator Inouye which restores the traditional day of observance of Memorial Day to 30 May.

Mr. Inouye first introduced the bill in 1999 (S 189). He reintroduced it in 2003 (S. 70) in 2005 (S. 80), and most recently in 2007 (S. 70). Each time it gets read twice and then referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, where no further action is taken. Please help convince Congress to pass this bill.

Mr. Inouye: On January 19, 1999 you introduced bill S 189 to the Senate which called for the restoration of the traditional day of observance of Memorial Day back to May 30th. As you eloquently stated in you introductory remarks on the bill: "Mr. President, in our effort to accommodate many Americans by making the last Monday in May, Memorial Day, we have lost sight of the significance of this day to our nation. Instead of using Memorial Day as a time to honor and reflect on the sacrifices made by Americans in combat, many Americans use the day as a celebration of the beginning of summer. My bill would restore Memorial Day to May 30 and authorize our flag to fly at half mast on that day. In addition, this legislation would authorize the President to issue a proclamation designating Memorial Day and Veterans Day as days for prayer and ceremonies honoring American veterans. This legislation would help restore the recognition our veterans deserve for the sacrifices they have made on behalf of our nation." (1999 Congressional Record, page S621) Many citizens who have visited the US Memorial Day website (www.usmemorialday.org) have echoed your sentiments. Many have written in supporting the restoration of the traditional day of observance for Memorial Day. We, the undersigned, add our voices to this cause in support of your bill S 189. In addition, to keep the number of three day Federal Holidays the same, we recommend that Armed Forces day, the third weekend of every May, could become a three-day holiday. On that holiday we can go out and enjoy and celebrate the freedoms won and maintained by our Armed Forces; on Memorial Day we can solemnly reflect upon the high cost of that freedom. The Undersigned,