[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9162--SEPT. 4, 2014

Proclamation 9162 of September 4, 2014

National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In the footprints of two mighty towers, at a hallowed field where heroic
actions saved even more heartbreak and destruction, and outside a
Pentagon wall where we have rebuilt but still remember--in these sacred
sites and in quiet corners across our country, we join together this
week to remember the tragedy of thirteen Septembers ago. We stand with
those who grieve as we offer some measure of comfort once more. We honor
the courage and selflessness of all who responded. We reflect on the
strength and grace that lift us up from the depths of our despair. Above
all, we reaffirm the true spirit of 9/11--love, compassion, and
sacrifice--and we enshrine it forever in the heart of our Nation.
No matter how many years pass, we will never forget the innocent souls
stolen on that dark day: parents, children, siblings, and spouses of
every race and creed. Dusty helmets, polished badges, and soot-stained
gloves serve as small symbols of those who gave everything so others
might live. But the stories of all those lost and the beauty of their
lives shine on in those they left behind. The sacrifice of so many has
forever shaped our Nation, and we have emerged a stronger, more
resilient America. We stand tall and unafraid, because no act of terror
can match the character of our Union or change who we are.
Each year as our Nation mourns, our faith restores us and summons within
us the sense of common purpose we rediscovered after the attacks. Prayer
and humble reflection carry us forward on the path we travel together,
helping mend deep wounds still sore from loss. These lasting virtues
sustain us not just for one day, but every day.
On this solemn anniversary, let us reaffirm the fundamental American
values of freedom and tolerance--values that stand in stark contrast to
the nihilism of those who attacked us. Let us give thanks for all the
men and women in uniform who defend these values from new threats, and
let us remember those who laid down their lives for our country. May our
faith reveal that even the darkest night gives way to a brighter dawn.
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 5
through Sunday, September 7, 2014, as National Days of

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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 fourth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.
BARACK OBAMA