Washington: The United States will observe Friday-June 11, the date former US President Ronald Reagan is to be buried as a national day of mourning and flags will be lowered to half-staff for a month in honour of the departed leader.

President George W Bush has officially declared June 11 as national day of mourning in a proclamation yesterday (Jun 6, 2004), calling on Americans "to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President Reagan".

"I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance," Bush said.

Bush also ordered US flags lowered to half-staff for 30 days from the day Reagan died.

The order lowers the US flag at all Government buildings and grounds, naval ships, as well as US embassies, military bases and other facilities overseas.

Bush also lavished praise on the former President. "With an unshakable faith in the values of our country and the character of our people, Ronald Reagan renewed America's confidence and restored our nation. His optimism, strength and humility epitomized the American spirit. He always told us that for America the best was yet to come."

Reagan died at the age of 93 on Saturday (Jun 5, 2004) ten-year struggle with Alzheimer's disease.