[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 176 (Monday, September 14, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 47045-47046]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-22262]
[[Page 47043]]
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Part II
The President
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Proclamation 8413--Patriot Day and National Day of Service and
Remembrance, 2009
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 176 / Monday, September 14, 2009 /
Presidential Documents
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Title 3--
The President
[[Page 47045]]
Proclamation 8413 of September 10, 2009
Patriot Day and National Day of Service and
Remembrance, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Through the twisted steel of the twin towers of the
World Trade Center, the scarred walls of the Pentagon,
and the smoky wreckage in a field in southwest
Pennsylvania, the patriotism and resiliency of the
American people shone brightly on September 11, 2001.
We stood as one people, united in our common humanity
and shared sorrow. We grieved for those who perished
and remembered what brought us together as Americans.
Today, we honor the lives we lost 8 years ago. On a
bright September day, innocent men, women, and children
boarded planes and set off for work as they had so many
times before. Unthinkable acts of terrorism brought
tragedy, destruction, pain, and loss for people across
our Nation and the world.
As we pay tribute to loved ones, friends, fellow
citizens, and all who died, we reaffirm our commitment
to the ideas and ideals that united Americans in the
aftermath of the attacks. We must apprehend all those
who perpetrated these heinous crimes, seek justice for
those who were killed, and defend against all threats
to our national security. We must also recommit
ourselves to our founding principles. September 11
reminds us that our fate as individuals is tied to that
of our Nation. Our democracy is strengthened when we
uphold the freedoms upon which our Nation was built:
equality, justice, liberty, and democracy. These values
exemplify the patriotism and sacrifice we commemorate
today.
In that same spirit of patriotism, I call upon all
Americans to join in service and honor the lives we
lost, the heroes who responded in our hour of need, and
the brave men and women in uniform who continue to
protect our country at home and abroad. In April, I was
proud to sign the bipartisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve
America Act, which recognizes September 11 as a
National Day of Service and Remembrance. Originated by
the family members of those who lost loved ones on 9/
11, the National Day of Service and Remembrance is an
opportunity to salute the heroes of 9/11, recapture the
spirit of unity and compassion that inspired our Nation
following the attacks, and rededicate ourselves to
sustained service to our communities.
Throughout the summer, people of all ages and
backgrounds came together to lend a helping hand in
their communities through United We Serve. As this
summer of service draws to an end, we renew the call to
engage in meaningful service activities and stay
engaged with those projects throughout the year.
Working together, we can usher in a new era in which
volunteering and service is a way of life for all
Americans. Deriving strength from tragedy, we can write
the next great chapter in our Nation's history and
ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the
promise of America.
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001
(Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated
September 11 of each year as Patriot Day, and by Public
Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, has requested the
[[Page 47046]]
observance of September 11 as an annually recognized
National Day of Service and Remembrance.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim September
11, 2009, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service
and Remembrance. I call upon all departments, agencies,
and instrumentalities of the United States to display
the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot
Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in
honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a
result of the terrorist attacks against the United
States that occurred on September 11, 2001. I invite
the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico and interested organizations and
individuals to join in this observance. I call upon the
people of the United States to participate in community
service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe
this day with other ceremonies and activities,
including remembrance services, and to observe a moment
of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time
to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result
of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. E9-22262
Filed 9-11-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P