[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8043--AUG. 25, 2006
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

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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.
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.
GEORGE W. BUSH