[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 178 (Wednesday, September 15, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 56463-56464]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-23201]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 178 / Wednesday, September 15, 2010 /
Presidential Documents
[[Page 56463]]
Proclamation 8559 of September 10, 2010
Patriot Day and National Day of Service and
Remembrance, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Nine years ago, the United States of America suffered
an unprecedented national tragedy. On September 11,
2001, nearly 3,000 individuals from across our Nation
and from more than 90 others, lost their lives in acts
of terrorism aimed at the heart of our country. The
Americans we lost came from every color, faith, and
station. They were cherished family members, friends,
and fellow citizens, and we will never forget them.
Yet, against the horrific backdrop of these events, the
American people revealed the innate resilience and
compassion that marks our Nation. When the call came
for volunteers to assist our heroic first responders,
countless men and women answered with a massive rescue
and recovery effort, offering hope and inspiration
amidst tremendous heartbreak. Today we remember those
we lost on that dark September day, and we honor the
courage and selflessness of our first responders,
servicemembers, and fellow citizens who served our
Nation and its people in our hour of greatest need.
Throughout America, patriotism was renewed through
common purpose and dedicated service in the days and
weeks following September 11. Many joined our Armed
Forces to protect our country at home and abroad;
others chose to serve in their own neighborhoods and
communities, lending their skills and time to those in
need. Fences and boundaries gave way to fellowship and
unity.
In the wake of loss and uncertainty, Americans from
every corner of our country joined together to
demonstrate the unparalleled human capacity for good.
To rekindle this spirit, I signed the Edward M. Kennedy
Serve America Act last year, which recognizes September
11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. I
called upon every American to make an enduring
commitment to serve their community and our Nation. The
response to that appeal has been inspirational, and
last year more than 63 million Americans volunteered in
their communities. I encourage all Americans to visit
Serve.gov, or Servir.gov for Spanish speakers, for more
information and resources on opportunities for service
across America.
By any measure, these myriad acts of service have
strengthened our country and fostered a new wave of
active and engaged citizens of all ages and walks of
life. Americans should be particularly proud of the
example set by our Nation's young people, who came of
age following the horrors of September 11, yet still
believe a truly patriotic idea: that people who love
their country can change it. Through selfless acts for
country and for one another, patriots in every corner
of our Nation continue to honor the memory of those
lost on September 11, and they reaffirm our charge to
reach for a more perfect Union.
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, the Congress has
requested the observance of September 11 as an annually
recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance.
[[Page 56464]]
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim September
11, 2010, 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 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
appropriate 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 ten, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 2010-23201
Filed 9-14-10; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P