[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8708 of September 9, 2011

National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Ten years ago, a bright September day was darkened by the worst
terrorist attack on America in our Nation's history. On this tenth
anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, we lift in
prayer and remembrance the men, women, and children who died in New York
City, in Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon, and we honor the countless
heroes who responded to senseless violence with courage and compassion.
We continue to stand with their families and loved ones, while

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striving to ensure the legacy of those we lost is a safer, stronger, and
more resilient Nation.
Since that day, a generation has come of age bearing the burden of war.
The 9/11 Generation of service members and their families has stepped up
to defend our security at home and abroad. They volunteer, knowing they
might be sent into harm's way, and they uphold the virtues of
selflessness and sacrifice that have always been at the center of our
Nation's strength. We pay humble tribute to all those who serve in our
Armed Forces, and to the thousands of brave Americans who have given
their last full measure of devotion during this difficult decade of war.
First responders, law enforcement officials, service members,
diplomats--the range of Americans who have dedicated themselves to
building a safer world is awe-inspiring. We have put unprecedented
pressure on those who attacked us 10 years ago and put al-Qa'ida on the
path to defeat. Around the globe, we have joined with allies and
partners to support peace, security, prosperity, and universal rights.
At home, communities have come together to make us a stronger country,
united by our diversity, our character, and our enduring principles.
Today, our Nation still faces great challenges, but this last decade has
proven once more that, as a people, we emerge from our trials stronger
than before. During these days of prayer and remembrance, a grateful
Nation gives thanks to all those who have given of themselves to make us
safer. And in memory of the fathers and mothers, sons and daughters,
brothers and sisters, and friends and loved ones taken from us 10 years
ago, let us join again in common cause to build a more hopeful world.
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 9
through Sunday, September 11, 2011, 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 ninth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA