[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8410--SEPT. 3, 2009

Proclamation 8410 of September 3, 2009
National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

They were daughters and sons, sisters and brothers, mothers and fathers,
spouses and partners, family and friends, colleagues and strangers. They
hailed from cities and towns across our Nation and world. On September
11, 2001, thousands of innocent women and men were taken from us, and
their loss leaves an emptiness in our hearts.
Hundreds perished as planes struck the skyline of New York City, the
structure of the Pentagon, and the grass of Pennsylvania. In the
immediate aftermath of these tragedies, many victims died as they sought
safety. Selflessly placing themselves in danger, first responders,
members of the Armed Forces, and private citizens made the ultimate
sacrifice working to assist others. During the National Days of Prayer
and Remembrance, Americans across the country cherish the memory of all
those who passed and honor and pray for their families and friends.
Americans also remember and pray for the safety and success of the
members of the United States Armed Forces, who work every day to keep
our Nation safe from terrorism and other threats to our security.
Military members assisted those in need on September 11, 2001, and serve
now in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world. They have left the
safety of home so that our Nation might be more secure. They have
endured great sacrifice so that we might enjoy the blessings of liberty.
Our servicemembers represent the best of America, and they deserve our
deepest respect and gratitude.
The threat of terrorism has denied too many men, women, and children
their right to live in peace and security. As the United States works to
defeat terrorists and build a more hopeful future for our children and
young people across the world, we seek humility and strength. We reflect
upon the lessons drawn from our national tragedy, seek God's guidance
and wisdom, and, never forgetting the lost, com-

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mit to working in common cause with our friends and allies to create a
safer and brighter world for current and future generations.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 Friday, September 4,
through Sunday, September 6, as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance.
I ask that the people of the United States, each in their own way, honor
the victims of September 11, 2001, and their families through prayer,
memorial services, the ringing of bells, and evening candlelight
remembrance vigils. I invite the people of the world to share in this
solemn commemoration.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fourth.
BARACK OBAMA