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

 
PROCLAMATION 8413--SEPT. 10, 2009

Proclamation 8413 of September 10, 2009
Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Through the twisted steel of the twin towers of the World Trade Center,
the scarred walls of the Pentagon, and the smoky wreckage in a field in
southwest Pennsylvania, the patriotism and resiliency of the American
people shone brightly on September 11, 2001. We stood as one people,
united in our common humanity and shared sorrow. We grieved for those
who perished and remembered what brought us together as Americans.
Today, we honor the lives we lost 8 years ago. On a bright September
day, innocent men, women, and children boarded planes and set off for
work as they had so many times before. Unthinkable acts of terrorism
brought tragedy, destruction, pain, and loss for people across our
Nation and the world.
As we pay tribute to loved ones, friends, fellow citizens, and all who
died, we reaffirm our commitment to the ideas and ideals that united
Americans in the aftermath of the attacks. We must apprehend all those
who perpetrated these heinous crimes, seek justice for those who were
killed, and defend against all threats to our national security. We must
also recommit ourselves to our founding principles. September 11 reminds
us that our fate as individuals is tied to that of our Nation. Our
democracy is strengthened when we uphold the freedoms upon which our
Nation was built: equality, justice, liberty, and democracy. These
values exemplify the patriotism and sacrifice we commemorate today.
In that same spirit of patriotism, I call upon all Americans to join in
service and honor the lives we lost, the heroes who responded in our
hour of need, and the brave men and women in uniform who continue to
protect our country at home and abroad. In April, I was proud to sign
the bipartisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which recognizes
September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Originated by
the family members of those who lost loved ones on 9/11, the National
Day of Service and Remembrance is an opportunity

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to salute the heroes of 9/11, recapture the spirit of unity and
compassion that inspired our Nation following the attacks, and
rededicate ourselves to sustained service to our communities.
Throughout the summer, people of all ages and backgrounds came together
to lend a helping hand in their communities through United We Serve. As
this summer of service draws to an end, we renew the call to engage in
meaningful service activities and stay engaged with those projects
throughout the year. Working together, we can usher in a new era in
which volunteering and service is a way of life for all Americans.
Deriving strength from tragedy, we can write the next great chapter in
our Nation's history and ensure that future generations continue to
enjoy the promise of America.
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89),
the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as Patriot Day,
and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, has requested the
observance of September 11 as an annually recognized National Day of
Service and Remembrance.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2009, as Patriot Day and
National Day of Service and Remembrance. I call upon all departments,
agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to display the flag
of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day and National Day of
Service and Remembrance in honor of the individuals who lost their lives
as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that
occurred on September 11, 2001. I invite the Governors of the United
States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and interested organizations
and individuals to join in this observance. I call upon the people of
the United States to participate in community service in honor of those
our Nation lost, to observe this day with other ceremonies and
activities, including remembrance services, and to observe a moment of
silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the
innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth 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