[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 473 Referred in Senate (RFS)]

  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 473


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 23, 2004

Received and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
                                Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
  Expressing the sense of Congress that it is appropriate to annually 
 observe Patriot Day, September 11, with voluntary acts of service 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
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring)--
            (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.

            Passed the House of Representatives September 22, 2004.

            Attest:

                                                 JEFF TRANDAHL,

                                                                 Clerk.