[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 36 (Monday, September 9, 2002)]
[Page 1475]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7588--National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2002

 August 31, 2002

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    As we remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and the 
thousands of innocent lives lost on that day, we recall as well the 
outpouring of compassion and faith that swept our Nation in the face of 
the evil done that day. In designating September 6-8 as National Days of 
Prayer and Remembrance, I ask all Americans to join together in cities, 
communities, neighborhoods, and places of worship to honor those who 
were lost, to pray for those who grieve, and to give thanks for God's 
enduring blessings on our land. And let us, through prayer, seek the 
wisdom, patience, and strength to bring those responsible for the 
attacks to justice and to press for a world at peace.
    For the families and friends of those who died, each new day has 
required new courage. Their perseverance has touched us deeply, and 
their noble character has brought us hope. We stand with them in faith, 
and we cherish with them the memory of those who perished.
    In the aftermath of the attacks, the words of the Psalms brought 
comfort to many. We trust God always to be our refuge and our strength, 
an ever-present help in time of trouble. Believing that One greater than 
ourselves watches over our lives and over this Nation, we continue to 
place our trust in Him.
    The events of September 11 altered our lives, the life of this 
Nation, and the world. Americans responded to terror with resolve and 
determination, first recovering, now rebuilding, and, at all times, 
committing ourselves to protecting our people and preserving our 
freedom. And we have found hope and healing in our faith, families, and 
friendships. As we confront the challenges before us, I ask you to join 
me during these Days of Prayer and Remembrance in praying for God's 
continued protection and for the strength to overcome great evil with 
even greater good.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Friday, September 6, 
through Sunday, September 8, 2002, as National Days of Prayer and 
Remembrance. I ask that the people of the United States and places of 
worship mark these National Days of Prayer and Remembrance with memorial 
services, the ringing of bells, and evening candlelight remembrance 
vigils. I invite the people of the world to share in these Days of 
Prayer and Remembrance.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first 
day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 4, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 5.