[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 76 (Wednesday, April 21, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 20893-20894]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-9416]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 76 / Wednesday, April 21, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 20893]]


                Proclamation 8501 of April 16, 2010

                
National Day of Service and Remembrance for 
                Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, 2010

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                There is no greater evil than willful violence against 
                innocents. On this National Day of Service and 
                Remembrance for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, we 
                pause to remember victims of terrorism at home and 
                abroad, we honor the heroes who have supported them, 
                and we redouble our efforts to build the kind of world 
                that is worthy of their legacy.

                Fifteen years ago, terrorists bombed the Alfred P. 
                Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing over 
                160 men, women, and children, and injuring hundreds 
                more. Even before the dust settled, heroes had emerged. 
                First responders, medical professionals, clergy, relief 
                organizations, local leaders, and everyday citizens 
                stepped forward to help victims and their families. 
                Again, when terrorists struck on September 11, 2001, 
                and thousands of Americans--and scores of foreign 
                nationals--perished in New York City, at the Pentagon, 
                and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Americans made a 
                historic effort to assist all those affected. The 
                dignity of those who were attacked--and the courage of 
                those who came to their aid--reaffirmed the strength of 
                our Nation, and the human spirit.

                Terrorists prey on the innocent and vulnerable, and 
                have nothing to offer except hatred and destruction. No 
                cause justifies their actions, yet they have claimed 
                many victims around the world. Wherever they kidnap or 
                kill, they reveal only their own bankrupt vision, and 
                disrupt or destroy lives. Their actions impact not only 
                their victims, but the families, friends, and fellow 
                citizens of those who are targeted.

                Survivors of terrorism and their families, though bound 
                at first by anguish and loss, are united by 
                extraordinary acts of courage, love, faith, and 
                commitment. They have risen against terrorism in the 
                aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, the September 
                11 attacks, and other incidents of violence around the 
                world. They are giving a voice to victims, speaking out 
                against violent and extremist ideologies, easing the 
                suffering of survivors, and helping them heal and hope 
                once more.

                Today, let us honor the good works of this inspiring 
                movement that shows us that hope is more powerful than 
                fear, and recognize the sacrifice of extraordinary 
                citizens worldwide who have shown fortitude in the face 
                of unspeakable tragedy.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim April 19, 2010, as 
                National Day of Service and Remembrance for Victims and 
                Survivors of Terrorism. I call upon all departments, 
                agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to 
                display the flag of the United States at half-staff on 
                this day in honor of the individuals who lost their 
                lives as a result of terrorism. I invite the Governors 
                of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto 
                Rico and interested organizations and individuals to 
                join in this observance. I encourage all Americans to 
                observe this solemn day

[[Page 20894]]

                of remembrance with appropriate ceremonies, activities, 
                and acts of community service in memory of the victims 
                and survivors of terrorism worldwide.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2010-9416
Filed 4-20-10; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P