[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 37 (Monday, September 19, 2005)]
[Pages 1379-1380]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7929--Patriot Day, 2005

September 9, 2005

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Four years have passed since our country was brutally attacked on a 
quiet September morning. On that day, thousands of innocent lives were 
taken from us. The victims and the families who lost loved ones remain 
in the hearts and prayers of our Nation. We also remember the courage of 
the firefighters, police officers, emergency rescue personnel, and 
scores of private citizens who showed us the true meaning of heroism and 
demonstrated our resolve to the world.
    The mission that began on September 11, 2001, continues. Today, we 
see the virtue of the September 11th heroes embodied in our military 
personnel, who are taking the fight to our enemies and helping to keep 
us safe at home. Thousands of other Americans, from intelligence 
analysts to border guards to countless others, are doing vital work to 
help defend America and prevent future attacks. We are grateful to all 
of these men and women and to their families for their service and 
sacrifice. We honor those who have lost their lives defending our 
freedom, and we pray that God comfort their families. We pledge that we 
will not rest until we have won the war on terror.
    As we mark this solemn anniversary, I call upon all our citizens to 
express their patriotism and their gratitude for the blessings of 
liberty. By flying the flag, supporting military families, and teaching 
young people about our founding ideals, we honor the lives lost on 
September 11, 2001, and since, and we help preserve our freedom for 
future generations.
    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, 2005, as Patriot Day. I call 
upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of

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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 ninth 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 13, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 14. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.