[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 36 (Monday, September 9, 2002)]
[Pages 1486-1487]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]
<R04>
Proclamation 7590--Patriot Day, 2002
September 4, 2002
By the President of the United States
of America
A Proclamation
On this first observance of Patriot Day, we remember and honor those
who perished in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We will not
forget the events of that terrible morning nor will we forget how
Americans responded in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in the skies
over Pennsylvania--with heroism and selflessness; with compassion and
courage; and with prayer and hope. We will always remember our
collective obligation to ensure that justice is done, that freedom
prevails, and that the principles upon which our Nation was founded
endure.
Inspired by the heroic sacrifices of our firefighters, rescue and
law enforcement personnel, military service members, and other citizens,
our Nation found unity, focus, and strength. We found healing in the
national outpouring of compassion for those lost, as tens of millions of
Americans participated in moments of silence, candlelight vigils, and
religious services. From the tragedy of September 11 emerged a stronger
Nation, renewed by a spirit of national pride and a true love of
country.
We are a people dedicated to the triumph of freedom and democracy
over evil and tyranny. The heroic stories of the first responders who
gave their all to save others strengthened our resolve. And our Armed
Forces have pursued the war against terrorism in Afghanistan and
elsewhere with valor and skill. Together with our coalition partners,
they have achieved success.
Americans also have fought back against terror by choosing to
overcome evil with good. By loving their neighbors as they would like to
be loved, countless citizens have answered the call to help others. They
have contributed to relief efforts, improved homeland security in their
communities, and volunteered their time to aid those in need. This
spirit of service continues to grow as thousands have joined the newly
established USA Freedom Corps, committing themselves to
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changing America one heart at a time through the momentum of millions of
acts of decency and kindness.
Those whom we lost last September 11 will forever hold a cherished
place in our hearts and in the history of our Nation. As we mark the
first anniversary of that tragic day, we remember their sacrifice; and
we commit ourselves to honoring their memory by pursuing peace and
justice in the world and security at home. By a joint resolution
approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has
authorized and requested the President to designate September 11 of each
year as ``Patriot Day.''
Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States
of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2002, as Patriot Day. I
call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with
appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services
and candlelight vigils. I also call upon the Governors of the United
States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate
officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown
at half-staff on Patriot Day. Further, I encourage all Americans to
display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day and to
observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight
time, or another appropriate commemorative time, to honor the innocent
victims who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of
September, 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 6,
2002]
Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on
September 9.