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

    PROCLAMATION 8559--SEPT. 10, 2010

    Proclamation 8559 of September 10, 2010
    Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    Nine years ago, the United States of America suffered an unprecedented
    national tragedy. On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 individuals from
    across our Nation and from more than 90 others, lost their lives in acts
    of terrorism aimed at the heart of our country. The Ameri-

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    cans we lost came from every color, faith, and station. They were
    cherished family members, friends, and fellow citizens, and we will
    never forget them. Yet, against the horrific backdrop of these events,
    the American people revealed the innate resilience and compassion that
    marks our Nation. When the call came for volunteers to assist our heroic
    first responders, countless men and women answered with a massive rescue
    and recovery effort, offering hope and inspiration amidst tremendous
    heartbreak. Today we remember those we lost on that dark September day,
    and we honor the courage and selflessness of our first responders,
    servicemembers, and fellow citizens who served our Nation and its people
    in our hour of greatest need.
    Throughout America, patriotism was renewed through common purpose and
    dedicated service in the days and weeks following September 11. Many
    joined our Armed Forces to protect our country at home and abroad;
    others chose to serve in their own neighborhoods and communities,
    lending their skills and time to those in need. Fences and boundaries
    gave way to fellowship and unity.
    In the wake of loss and uncertainty, Americans from every corner of our
    country joined together to demonstrate the unparalleled human capacity
    for good. To rekindle this spirit, I signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve
    America Act last year, which recognizes September 11 as a National Day
    of Service and Remembrance. I called upon every American to make an
    enduring commitment to serve their community and our Nation. The
    response to that appeal has been inspirational, and last year more than
    63 million Americans volunteered in their communities. I encourage all
    Americans to visit Serve.gov, or Servir.gov for Spanish speakers, for
    more information and resources on opportunities for service across
    America.
    By any measure, these myriad acts of service have strengthened our
    country and fostered a new wave of active and engaged citizens of all
    ages and walks of life. Americans should be particularly proud of the
    example set by our Nation's young people, who came of age following the
    horrors of September 11, yet still believe a truly patriotic idea: that
    people who love their country can change it. Through selfless acts for
    country and for one another, patriots in every corner of our Nation
    continue to honor the memory of those lost on September 11, and they
    reaffirm our charge to reach for a more perfect Union.
    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, the Congress 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, 2010, 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
    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 appropriate

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    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 ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fifth.
    BARACK OBAMA