[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 174 (Monday, September 9, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 57125-57126]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-23007]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 174 / Monday, September 9, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 57125]]


                Proclamation 7590 of September 4, 2002

                
Patriot Day, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On this first observance of Patriot Day, we remember 
                and honor those who perished in the terrorist attacks 
                of September 11, 2001. We will not forget the events of 
                that terrible morning nor will we forget how Americans 
                responded in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in the 
                skies over Pennsylvania--with heroism and selflessness; 
                with compassion and courage; and with prayer and hope. 
                We will always remember our collective obligation to 
                ensure that justice is done, that freedom prevails, and 
                that the principles upon which our Nation was founded 
                endure.

                Inspired by the heroic sacrifices of our firefighters, 
                rescue and law enforcement personnel, military service 
                members, and other citizens, our Nation found unity, 
                focus, and strength. We found healing in the national 
                outpouring of compassion for those lost, as tens of 
                millions of Americans participated in moments of 
                silence, candlelight vigils, and religious services. 
                From the tragedy of September 11 emerged a stronger 
                Nation, renewed by a spirit of national pride and a 
                true love of country.

                We are a people dedicated to the triumph of freedom and 
                democracy over evil and tyranny. The heroic stories of 
                the first responders who gave their all to save others 
                strengthened our resolve. And our Armed Forces have 
                pursued the war against terrorism in Afghanistan and 
                elsewhere with valor and skill. Together with our 
                coalition partners, they have achieved success.

                Americans also have fought back against terror by 
                choosing to overcome evil with good. By loving their 
                neighbors as they would like to be loved, countless 
                citizens have answered the call to help others. They 
                have contributed to relief efforts, improved homeland 
                security in their communities, and volunteered their 
                time to aid those in need. This spirit of service 
                continues to grow as thousands have joined the newly 
                established USA Freedom Corps, committing themselves to 
                changing America one heart at a time through the 
                momentum of millions of acts of decency and kindness.

                Those whom we lost last September 11 will forever hold 
                a cherished place in our hearts and in the history of 
                our Nation. As we mark the first anniversary of that 
                tragic day, we remember their sacrifice; and we commit 
                ourselves to honoring their memory by pursuing peace 
                and justice in the world and security at home. By a 
                joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 
                107-89), the Congress has authorized and requested the 
                President to designate September 11 of each year as 
                ``Patriot Day.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 
                11, 2002, as Patriot Day. I call upon the people of the 
                United States to observe this day with appropriate 
                ceremonies and activities, including remembrance 
                services and candlelight vigils. I also call upon the 
                Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of 
                Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all 
                units of government, to direct that the flag be flown 
                at half-staff on Patriot Day. Further, I encourage all 
                Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their 
                homes on that day and to observe a moment of silence 
                beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time, or 
                another appropriate commemorative time, to honor

[[Page 57126]]

                the innocent victims who lost their lives as a result 
                of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand two, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-23007
Filed 9-6-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P