[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