[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 36 (Monday, September 12, 2005)]
[Pages 1365-1366]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7925--National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the 
Victims of Hurricane Katrina

 September 8, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Hurricane Katrina was one of the worst natural disasters in our 
Nation's history and has caused unimaginable devastation and heartbreak 
throughout the Gulf Coast Region. A vast coastline of towns and 
communities has been decimated. Many lives have been lost, and hundreds 
of thousands of our fellow Americans are suffering great hardship. To 
honor the memory of those who lost their lives, to provide comfort and 
strength to the families of the victims, and to help ease the burden of 
the survivors, I call upon all Americans to pray to Almighty God and to 
perform acts of service.
    As we observe a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the 
Victims of Hurricane Katrina, we pledge our support for those who have 
been injured and for the communities that are struggling to rebuild. We 
offer thanks to God for the goodness and generosity of so many Americans 
who have come together to provide relief and bring hope to fellow 
citizens in need. Our Nation is united in compassion for the victims and 
in resolve to overcome the tremendous loss that has come to America. We 
will strive together in this effort, and we will prevail through 
perseverance and prayer.
    Americans are reaching out to those who suffer by opening their 
hearts, homes, and communities. Their actions demonstrate the greatest 
compassion one person may show to another: to love your neighbor as 
yourself. Across our Nation, so many selfless deeds reflect the promise 
of the Scripture: ``For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty 
and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in.'' I 
encourage all Americans to respond with acts of kindness in the days 
ahead. By contributing time, money, or needed goods to a relief 
organization and by praying for the survivors and those in recovery 
efforts, we can make a tremendous difference in the lives of those in 
need.
    Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath resulted in a considerable loss 
of life. We pray that God will bless the souls of the lost, and that He 
will comfort their families and friends and all lives touched by this 
disaster. As the American people unite to help those who are hurting, we 
share a determination to stand by those affected by Hurricane Katrina in 
the months and years ahead as they rebuild their lives and reclaim their 
future. We are determined that the Gulf Coast region will rise again. 
The tasks before us are enormous, and so is the heart of America. We 
will continue to comfort and care for the survivors. We will once again 
show the world that the worst adversities bring out the best in the 
American people.
    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 16, 
2005, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of 
Hurricane Katrina. I ask that the people of the United States and places 
of worship mark this National Day of Prayer and Remembrance with 
memorial services and other appropriate observances. I also encourage 
all Americans to remember those who have suffered in the disaster by 
offering prayers and giving their hearts and homes for those who now, 
more than ever, need our compassion and our support.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of 
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 
12, 2005]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
September 13.

[[Page 1366]]