[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 76 (Wednesday, April 21, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 20893-20894]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-9416]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 76 / Wednesday, April 21, 2010 /
Presidential Documents
[[Page 20893]]
Proclamation 8501 of April 16, 2010
National Day of Service and Remembrance for
Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
There is no greater evil than willful violence against
innocents. On this National Day of Service and
Remembrance for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, we
pause to remember victims of terrorism at home and
abroad, we honor the heroes who have supported them,
and we redouble our efforts to build the kind of world
that is worthy of their legacy.
Fifteen years ago, terrorists bombed the Alfred P.
Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing over
160 men, women, and children, and injuring hundreds
more. Even before the dust settled, heroes had emerged.
First responders, medical professionals, clergy, relief
organizations, local leaders, and everyday citizens
stepped forward to help victims and their families.
Again, when terrorists struck on September 11, 2001,
and thousands of Americans--and scores of foreign
nationals--perished in New York City, at the Pentagon,
and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Americans made a
historic effort to assist all those affected. The
dignity of those who were attacked--and the courage of
those who came to their aid--reaffirmed the strength of
our Nation, and the human spirit.
Terrorists prey on the innocent and vulnerable, and
have nothing to offer except hatred and destruction. No
cause justifies their actions, yet they have claimed
many victims around the world. Wherever they kidnap or
kill, they reveal only their own bankrupt vision, and
disrupt or destroy lives. Their actions impact not only
their victims, but the families, friends, and fellow
citizens of those who are targeted.
Survivors of terrorism and their families, though bound
at first by anguish and loss, are united by
extraordinary acts of courage, love, faith, and
commitment. They have risen against terrorism in the
aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, the September
11 attacks, and other incidents of violence around the
world. They are giving a voice to victims, speaking out
against violent and extremist ideologies, easing the
suffering of survivors, and helping them heal and hope
once more.
Today, let us honor the good works of this inspiring
movement that shows us that hope is more powerful than
fear, and recognize the sacrifice of extraordinary
citizens worldwide who have shown fortitude in the face
of unspeakable tragedy.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim April 19, 2010, as
National Day of Service and Remembrance for Victims and
Survivors of Terrorism. I call upon all departments,
agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to
display the flag of the United States at half-staff on
this day in honor of the individuals who lost their
lives as a result of terrorism. 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 encourage all Americans to
observe this solemn day
[[Page 20894]]
of remembrance with appropriate ceremonies, activities,
and acts of community service in memory of the victims
and survivors of terrorism worldwide.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 2010-9416
Filed 4-20-10; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P