[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 38 (Monday, September 20, 2004)]
[Page 1952]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7812--Patriot Day, 2004

 September 10, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Three years ago, our country was ruthlessly attacked, and more than 
3,000 innocent people lost their lives. We will always remember the 
victims: sons and daughters, husbands and wives, dads and moms, family 
members, co-workers, and friends. And we will always be inspired by the 
heroism and decency of our fellow citizens on that day. Police, 
firefighters, emergency rescue personnel, doctors, nurses, and many 
others risked their own lives to save the lives of their fellow 
citizens. They demonstrated the great character and bravery of our 
Nation, and they embody the great spirit of America.
    Since September 11th, America has fought a relentless war on terror 
around the world. We are staying on the offensive in this war--striking 
the terrorists abroad so we do not have to face them here at home. We 
pray that God watch over our brave men and women in uniform and all who 
are waging this war and working to keep America safe. And we pray for 
their families. In the face of danger, America is showing its character. 
Three years after the attack on our country, Americans remain strong and 
resolute, patient in a just cause, and confident of the victory to come.
    By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-
89), the Congress has designated 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, 2004, as Patriot Day. I 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. I call upon 
the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate 
ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, 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 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 tenth day of 
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:09 a.m., September 
14, 2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 15. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.