[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9318 of September 10, 2015

National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Fourteen years ago, the peace of a beautiful morning was broken. The
events of September 11, 2001, left a permanent mark on the spirit of
every American, and our Nation is forever changed. Nearly 3,000 precious
lives were taken, and their loved ones were forced to face an
unthinkable grief. As we pay tribute to the innocents we lost and the
first responders who put themselves in harm's way--some even giving
their own lives for their fellow citizens--we also recognize the
families

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whose love abides, and we reaffirm the truth that resonates in the heart
of our Nation: that we will never forget that day.
Guided by a steadfast belief in the power of good over evil, people from
every corner of our country came together in the aftermath of the
attacks to lift each other up and restore our communities. Bound by a
common sense of hope, Americans united across faiths and traditions to
reject hate and work together toward a better future.
In memory of those we lost, we resolved to shape a world where events
like those of September 11, 2001, could never happen again, and we see
this unbreakable spirit live on every day across America. We see it in
the courage of first responders who carry the memories of fallen
partners with them as they continue safeguarding their communities--
prepared to make the same sacrifice for us all. We see it in the
gleaming New York City Freedom Tower, which rose high where the
buildings once fell. We see it in the example of extraordinary bravery
set by the men and women who fought back in the Pennsylvania sky. We see
it in the legacy of those killed while serving in the Pentagon, which is
reflected in the enduring courage of our troops, veterans, and military
families. We see it in the selflessness of all those who sacrificed to
bring justice to those responsible, and who continue to defend our
liberty. And as a result, we will forever march forward as a stronger
people, under God and indivisible, toward a brighter day.
As we solemnly reflect on those taken from us too soon by acts of
depravity, let us continue to stand with their loved ones and recommit
to forging a tomorrow where the sun sets on an America that knows
everlasting freedom, security, and peace.
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 11
through Sunday, September 13, 2015, 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 tenth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA