[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7702 of September 4, 2003
 
Patriot Day, 2003

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Two years ago, more than 3,000 innocent people lost their lives when a
calm September morning was shattered by terrorists driven by hatred and
destruction.
On that day, and in its aftermath, we saw the greatness of America in
the bravery of victims; in the heroism of first responders who laid down
their lives to save others; in the compassion of people who stepped
forward to help those they had never met; and in the generosity of
millions of Americans who enriched our country with acts of service and
kindness. Since that day, we have seen the greatness of America further
demonstrated in the courage of our brave men and women in uniform who
have served and sacrificed in Afghanistan, in Iraq, and around the world
to advance freedom and prevent terrorist attacks on America.
As we remember September 11, 2001, we reaffirm the vows made in the
earliest hours of our grief and anger. As liberty's home and defender,
America will not tire, will not falter, and will not fail in fighting
for the safety and security of the American people and a world free from
terrorism. We will continue to bring our enemies to justice or bring
justice to them. This Patriot Day, we hold steady to this task.
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89),
the Congress has designated 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, 2003, 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. In addition, I call upon 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
to honor 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 three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH


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