[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 168 (Wednesday, August 30, 2006)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 51711-51712]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-7374]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 168 / Wednesday, August 30, 2006 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 51711]]


                Proclamation 8043 of August 25, 2006

                
National Day of Remembrance of Hurricane Katrina, 
                2006

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                One year ago, a vast coastline of towns and communities 
                was virtually destroyed; one of America's great cities 
                was submerged; and many lives were lost in one of the 
                worst natural disasters in our Nation's history. On 
                this National Day of Remembrance of Hurricane Katrina, 
                we honor those who did not survive the fury of the 
                storm and those who continue to put their lives back 
                together in its aftermath. We also remember the heroism 
                of ordinary citizens who touched our hearts with their 
                bravery and compassion and moved our whole Nation to 
                action.

                Hurricane Katrina brought many days of struggle and 
                sorrow; yet, we also witnessed extraordinary acts of 
                courage and kindness. Rescue workers, other first 
                responders, and concerned citizens from around the 
                country risked their lives to save others and performed 
                heroically under the most difficult of circumstances. 
                Many were victims themselves, acting on a sense of duty 
                greater than their own suffering. Men, women, and 
                children across America rallied to help their neighbors 
                in desperate need, providing food, water, shelter, and 
                hope to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Those days 
                tested our Nation, and they revealed a resilience more 
                powerful than any storm.

                Millions of lives were changed in a day by that cruel 
                and destructive storm. America accepted the challenge 
                to restore broken communities and disrupted lives not 
                as a burden, but as our responsibility to help our 
                fellow citizens. Victims and volunteers continue to 
                demonstrate a spirit that cannot be broken--a core of 
                strength that survives all hurt, a faith in God that no 
                storm can take away, and an unyielding determination to 
                clear the wreckage and build anew.

                In the past year, Federal, State, and local governments 
                have worked to enhance our Nation's ability to prepare 
                for and respond to natural disasters. The Federal 
                Government has conducted an extensive review of 
                preparedness and response efforts, and actions are 
                being taken at every level to improve communications 
                and coordination and strengthen emergency response 
                capabilities. The American people can know that our 
                government is working hard to be prepared to protect 
                life and property should we face another such 
                challenge.

                In the life of our Nation, we have often been reminded 
                that nature is an awesome force, and that all life is 
                fragile. However, Americans have always summoned the 
                will and compassion to persevere and rebuild. Guided by 
                our enduring American spirit, we know that a bright new 
                dawn will rise over the great city of New Orleans, and 
                the entire Gulf Coast region will reemerge stronger and 
                more vibrant than ever.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim August 29, 2006, as a 
                National Day of Remembrance of Hurricane Katrina. I 
                call upon State and local governments, places of 
                worship, and all Americans to mark this day with 
                services and appropriate observances. I also encourage 
                all Americans to remember and support the continued 
                effort to rebuild our Nation's great Gulf Coast.

[[Page 51712]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-fifth day of August, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand six, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 06-7374
Filed 8-29-06; 9:10 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P