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

    PROCLAMATION 8501--APR. 16, 2010

    Proclamation 8501 of April 16, 2010
    National Day of Service and Remembrance for Victims and Survivors of
    Terrorism, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    There is no greater evil than willful violence against innocents. On
    this National Day of Service and Remembrance for Victims and Survivors
    of Terrorism, we pause to remember victims of terrorism at home and
    abroad, we honor the heroes who have supported them, and we redouble our
    efforts to build the kind of world that is worthy of their legacy.
    Fifteen years ago, terrorists bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal
    Building in Oklahoma City, killing over 160 men, women, and children,
    and injuring hundreds more. Even before the dust settled, heroes had
    emerged. First responders, medical professionals, clergy, relief
    organizations, local leaders, and everyday citizens stepped forward to
    help victims and their families. Again, when terrorists struck on
    September 11, 2001, and thousands of Americans--and scores of foreign
    nationals--perished in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in
    Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Americans made a historic effort to assist
    all those affected. The dignity of those who were attacked--and the
    courage of those who came to their aid--reaffirmed the strength of our
    Nation, and the human spirit.
    Terrorists prey on the innocent and vulnerable, and have nothing to
    offer except hatred and destruction. No cause justifies their actions,
    yet they have claimed many victims around the world. Wherever they
    kidnap or kill, they reveal only their own bankrupt vision, and disrupt
    or destroy lives. Their actions impact not only their victims, but the
    families, friends, and fellow citizens of those who are targeted.
    Survivors of terrorism and their families, though bound at first by
    anguish and loss, are united by extraordinary acts of courage, love,
    faith, and commitment. They have risen against terrorism in the
    aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, the September 11 attacks, and
    other incidents of violence around the world. They are giving a voice to
    victims, speaking out against violent and extremist ideologies, easing
    the suffering of survivors, and helping them heal and hope once more.
    Today, let us honor the good works of this inspiring movement that shows
    us that hope is more powerful than fear, and recognize the sacrifice of
    extraordinary citizens worldwide who have shown fortitude in the face of
    unspeakable tragedy.

    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 April 19, 2010, as
    National Day of Service and Remembrance for Victims and Survivors of
    Terrorism. I call upon all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities
    of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half-
    staff on this day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a
    result of terrorism. 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 encourage all Americans to observe this
    solemn day of remembrance with appropriate cere-

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    monies, activities, and acts of community service in memory of the
    victims and survivors of terrorism worldwide.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of
    April, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence
    of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
    BARACK OBAMA