IV 108th CONGRESS 2d Session H. CON. RES. 473 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 14, 2004 Mr. King of New York (for himself, Mr. McHugh, Mrs. Maloney, Mr. Towns, Mr. Castle, Mr. Smith of New Jersey, Mrs. McCarthy of New York, Mr. Boehlert, and Mr. Burton of Indiana) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Government Reform CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of Congress that the President should designate September 11 as a national day of voluntary service, charity, and compassion.

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

That 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 which honor the lives lost on that day, and embrace the spirit of selflessness and unity demonstrated by the efforts of those who participated in the rescue, recovery, and voluntary service activities.