[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 473 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]

        H.Con.Res.473
                                      Agreed to October 10, 2004        

                       One Hundred Eighth Congress

                                 of the

                        United States of America


                          AT THE SECOND SESSION

          Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
           the twentieth day of January, two thousand and four


                          Concurrent Resolution

Whereas, across the Nation and around the world, people of all ages and 
  walks of life collectively witnessed an event of immense tragedy on 
  September 11, 2001;

Whereas the events of that day instantly transformed many lives, some 
  through personal loss, and many others through an unfamiliar sense of 
  individual and national vulnerability;

Whereas an unprecedented, historic bonding of Americans arose from the 
  collective shock, unifying the Nation in a sustained outpouring of 
  national spirit, pride, selflessness, generosity, courage, and 
  service;

Whereas, on that day and the immediate days that followed, many brave 
  people heroically, tirelessly, and courageously participated in an 
  extraordinarily difficult and dangerous rescue and recovery effort, 
  in many cases voluntarily putting their own well being at risk;

Whereas September 11 will never and should never be just another day in 
  the hearts and minds of all Americans;

Whereas the creation of memorials and monuments honoring the lives lost 
  on September 11, as well as the efforts of those who participated in 
  rescue, recovery, and voluntary service efforts, are necessary, 
  proper, and fitting, but alone cannot fully capture the Nation's 
  desire to pay tribute in a meaningful way;

Whereas it is fitting and essential to establish a lasting, meaningful, 
  and positive legacy of service for future generations as a tribute to 
  those heroes of September 11;

Whereas many citizens wish to memorialize September 11 by engaging in 
  personal and individual acts of community service or other giving 
  activities as part of a national day of recognition and tribute; and

Whereas to lose this opportunity to bring people together for such an 
  important endeavor would be a tragedy unto itself: Now, therefore, be 
  it

    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That--
        (1) it is the sense of Congress that it is appropriate to 
    annually observe Patriot Day, September 11, with voluntary acts of 
    service and compassion in honor of the lives lost on that day and 
    in the spirit of selflessness and unity demonstrated by those who 
    participated in the rescue, recovery, and voluntary service 
    activities that day; and
        (2) Congress urges the President to issue a proclamation 
    calling upon the people of the United States to annually observe 
    Patriot Day, September 11, with appropriate and personal 
    expressions of voluntary service, charity, and compassion toward 
    others.
  Attest:

                                 Clerk of the House of Representatives.

  Attest:

                                               Secretary of the Senate.