[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

[[Page 1487]]

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.