[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 178 (Wednesday, September 14, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 63353-63354]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-22290]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 178 / Wednesday, September 14, 2016 
/ Presidential Documents  

[[Page 63353]]


                Proclamation 9488 of September 9, 2016

                
National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2016

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On September 11, 2001, a group of small and hateful 
                minds conspired to threaten the very fiber of our 
                country, seeking to break the American spirit and 
                destroy our way of life. From the Atlantic to the 
                Pacific, Americans were struck with grief as 
                devastation and senseless loss of innocent human life 
                unfolded. In the empty shadow of the World Trade 
                Center, the remains of the Pentagon, and a charred 
                Pennsylvania field where courageous passengers saved 
                countless lives, what emerged from the ashes of that 
                day was not defeat--it was the heroism, compassion, and 
                unity of the American people, which no act of terror or 
                hate could ever take away. On September 11, we recall 
                the true spirit of our Nation following these heinous 
                attacks, and we resolve to enshrine the enduring 
                compassion and love of our people forever in the heart 
                of America.

                Fifteen years later, we pay tribute to the loss of 
                nearly 3,000 lives, reflect on treasured memories of 
                those we lost, and resolve to never forget that day, 
                even as we look toward a brighter and more hopeful 
                future. We draw inspiration from the survivors who 
                still bear the scars--both seen and unseen--of that 
                tragic day. We honor the valiance of our Nation's first 
                responders, whose instinct was not to turn back to find 
                safety for themselves, but to run toward untold danger. 
                We show our gratitude to those young Americans of the 
                9/11 Generation, who until that day lived knowing only 
                peace, but who have answered our country's call to 
                serve under our flag to meet the threats of our time 
                with bravery and distinction.

                In the years that have followed, with prayer and 
                reflection, grace and faith, Americans have grieved 
                together, held each other close, and looked out for one 
                another. Though the void felt by those who lost a loved 
                one on that day can never be filled, we can continue to 
                heal the wounds inflicted by hatred by honoring the 
                notion that, no matter our differences, we are forever 
                united as one American family.

                As we mourn on this most solemn anniversary, let us 
                also reflect on the freedom and tolerance that define 
                this great Nation, and let us reaffirm our commitment 
                to preserving those fundamental values for each 
                generation of Americans to come.

                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 Friday, September 9 
                through Sunday, September 11, 2016, as National Days of 
                Prayer and Remembrance. I ask that the people of the 
                United States honor and remember the victims of 
                September 11, 2001, and their loved ones through 
                prayer, contemplation, memorial services, the visiting 
                of memorials, the ringing of bells, evening candlelight 
                remembrance vigils, and other appropriate ceremonies 
                and activities. I invite people around the world to 
                participate in this commemoration.

[[Page 63354]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and forty-first.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2016-22290
Filed 9-13-16; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F6-P