    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8558--SEPT. 10, 2010

    Proclamation 8558 of September 10, 2010
    National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    In commemoration of the tragedies of September 11, 2001, we come
    together as Americans each September to honor the memory of the women,
    men, and children lost in New York City, in rural Pennsylvania, and at
    the Pentagon. We renew our commitment to those who lost the comfort and
    companionship of loved ones and friends in those moments, and we mourn
    with them.
    This year's National Days of Prayer and Remembrance are a time to
    express our everlasting gratitude for the countless acts of valor on
    September 11, 2001, and in the dark days that followed. Innocent men and
    women were beginning a routine day at work on a beautiful September
    morning when they tragically lost their lives in a horrific moment of
    violence. We are forever indebted to the firefighters, police officers,
    and other first responders who put their lives on the line to help
    evacuate and rescue individuals trapped in offices and elevators.
    Rushing into chaos and burning buildings, many gave their lives so
    others

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    might live. We continue to draw inspiration from the unflagging service
    rendered by volunteers who contributed to the recovery effort, including
    civilians and servicemembers.
    At this somber time, we also pause to remember the sacrifices of the men
    and women in uniform who have lost their lives serving in Iraq,
    Afghanistan, and elsewhere, while promoting freedom and security. When
    their country faced crisis and uncertainty, a new generation of
    Americans stepped forward and volunteered to serve. Their selfless
    contributions are immeasurable and must never be forgotten. We honor the
    members of America's Armed Forces who have left the comfort of home to
    protect our Nation. We pray for their protection from every danger as
    they carry out their vital missions.
    At a time of national tragedy, we relied upon the strength and
    resilience that has marked the pages of American history. Many Americans
    turned to God, and lifted up their fellow Americans in prayer. On these
    solemn days, let us remember that from the destruction of that morning,
    we came together as a people and a country, united in our grief and
    joined in common purpose to save, serve, and rebuild. The legacy of the
    lives lost nine Septembers ago and in defense of our Nation--of husbands
    and fathers, wives and mothers, cherished children, and dear friends and
    loved ones--reinforces our resolve to unite with one another, for the
    country we all love and the values for which we stand.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Friday, September 10,
    through Sunday, September 12, 2010, as National Days of Prayer and
    Remembrance. I ask that the people of the United States honor and
    remember the victims of September 11, 2001, and their loved ones through
    prayer, contemplation, memorial services, the visiting of memorials, the
    ringing of bells, evening candlelight remembrance vigils, and other
    appropriate ceremonies and activities. I invite people around the world
    to participate in this commemoration.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of
    September, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fifth.
    BARACK OBAMA