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

 
PROCLAMATION 8047--SEPT. 7, 2006
Proclamation 8047 of September 7, 2006
Patriot Day, 2006
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On the fifth anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, we recall
the fire and horror at the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the
Pentagon, and a Pennsylvania field. America will always remember the
thousands of innocent lives taken by the enemies of freedom that
morning.

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120 STAT. 3878

In the face of these unspeakable attacks, we were reminded that the
great strength of America is found in the hearts and souls of our
citizens. We witnessed firefighters, police officers, other public
safety officials, and ordinary Americans demonstrate extraordinary
courage, risking their lives to save innocent victims. We saw our
country united in compassion as Americans came together to provide
relief and bring hope to others.
Today, America is fighting a war that is testing our Nation's resolve.
We are once again answering history's call with confidence, and we know
that freedom will prevail. Our brave men and women in uniform have
stepped forward to fight our enemies abroad so that we do not have to
face them here at home, and we are grateful for the courageous
individuals bringing terrorists to justice around the world.
We are also confronting the extremists in the great ideological struggle
of the 21st century. September the 11th made clear that, in the long
run, the only way to secure our Nation is to advance liberty and
democracy as the great alternatives to repression and radicalism. By
working together with our friends and allies, we are helping spread the
blessings of freedom and laying the foundations of peace for generations
to come.
The events of September 11, 2001, will always be a defining moment in
our history. We hold the victims and their families in our hearts, and
we lift them up in our prayers.
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, 2006, as Patriot Day. I 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. I also call
upon the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with
appropriate ceremonies, activities, and remembrance services, 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 Americans and people from around the world 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 seventh day of
September, 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