[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 36 (Monday, September 8, 2003)]
[Pages 1148-1149]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7701--National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2003

 September 4, 2003

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    As we approach the second anniversary of September 11, 2001, we 
remember all that we lost as Americans and recognize all that we have 
witnessed about the character of America. During these National Days of 
Prayer and Remembrance, we honor those who were killed and their 
families, and we ask God for strength and wisdom as we carry out the 
noble mission that our Nation began that morning.
    The passage of time cannot erase the pain and devastation that were 
inflicted on our people. We will always remember those who were brutally 
taken from us. And we ask God to comfort the loved ones left behind; 
their courage and determination have inspired our Nation.
    We thank God for the unity and compassion Americans have 
demonstrated since September 11, 2001. The great strength of

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America is the heart and soul of the American people. And we will 
continue to help those who are hurting or are in need.
    We pray that God watch over our brave men and women in uniform. We 
are grateful to them, and to their families, for their service and 
sacrifice. We pray for peace and ask God for patience and resolve in our 
war against terror and evil.
    This conflict was begun on the timing and terms of others. It will 
end in a way, and at an hour, of our choosing.
     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 5, 
through Sunday, September 7, 2003, 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 fourth day of 
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 8, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
September 9.