[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 131, 115th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9634 of September 1, 2017

National Day of Prayer for the Victims of Hurricane Harvey and for Our

National Response and Recovery Efforts

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Hurricane Harvey first made landfall as a Category 4 storm near
Rockport, Texas, on the evening of August 25, 2017. The storm has since
devastated communities in both Texas and Louisiana, claiming many lives,
inflicting countless injuries, destroying or damaging tens of thousands
of homes, and causing billions of dollars in damage. The entire Nation
grieves with Texas and Louisiana. We are deeply grateful for those
performing acts of service, and we pray for healing and comfort for
those in need.
Americans have always come to the aid of their fellow countrymen--friend
helping friend, neighbor helping neighbor, and stranger helping
stranger--and we vow to do so in response to Hurricane Harvey. From the
beginning of our Nation, Americans have joined together in prayer during
times of great need, to ask for God's blessings and guidance. This
tradition dates to June 12, 1775, when the Continental Congress
proclaimed a day of prayer following the Battles of Lexington and
Concord, and April 30, 1789, when President George Washington, during
the Nation's first Presidential inauguration, asked Americans to pray
for God's protection and favor.
When we look across Texas and Louisiana, we see the American spirit of
service embodied by countless men and women. Brave first responders have
rescued those stranded in drowning cars and rising water. Families have
given food and shelter to those in need. Houses of worship have
organized efforts to clean up communities and repair damaged homes.
Individuals of every background are striving for the same goal--to aid
and comfort people facing devastating losses. As Americans, we know that
no challenge is too great for us to overcome.
As response and recovery efforts continue, and as Americans provide much
needed relief to the people of Texas and Louisiana, we are reminded of
Scripture's promise that ``God is our refuge and strength, a very
present help in trouble.'' Melania and I are grateful to everyone

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devoting time, effort, and resources to the ongoing response, recovery,
and rebuilding efforts. We invite all Americans to join us as we
continue to pray for those who have lost family members or friends, and
for those who are suffering in this time of crisis.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim September 3, 2017, as a National Day of
Prayer for the Victims of Hurricane Harvey and for our National Response
and Recovery Efforts. We give thanks for the generosity and goodness of
all those who have responded to the needs of their fellow Americans. I
urge Americans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to
offer prayers today for all those harmed by Hurricane Harvey, including
people who have lost family members or been injured, those who have lost
homes or other property, and our first responders, law enforcement
officers, military personnel, and medical professionals leading the
response and recovery efforts. Each of us, in our own way, may call upon
our God for strength and comfort during this difficult time. I call on
all Americans and houses of worship throughout the Nation to join in one
voice of prayer, as we seek to uplift one another and assist those
suffering from the consequences of this terrible storm.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
second.
DONALD J. TRUMP