    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 35 (Monday, September 4, 2006)]
    [Pages 1511-1512]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 8043--National Day of Remembrance of Hurricane Katrina,
    2006

    August 25, 2006

    By the President of the United States

    of America

    A Proclamation

        One year ago, a vast coastline of towns and communities was
    virtually destroyed; one of America's great cities was submerged; and
    many lives were lost in one of the worst natural disasters in our
    Nation's history. On this National Day of Remembrance of Hurricane
    Katrina, we honor those who did not survive the fury of the storm and
    those who continue to put their lives back together in its aftermath. We
    also remember the heroism of ordinary citizens who touched our hearts
    with their bravery and compassion and moved our whole Nation to action.
        Hurricane Katrina brought many days of struggle and sorrow; yet, we
    also witnessed extraordinary acts of courage and kindness. Rescue
    workers, other first responders, and concerned citizens from around the
    country risked their lives to save others and performed heroically under
    the most difficult of circumstances. Many were victims themselves,
    acting on a sense of duty greater than their own suffering. Men, women,
    and children across America rallied to help their neighbors in desperate
    need, providing food, water, shelter, and hope to the victims of
    Hurricane Katrina. Those days tested our Nation, and they revealed a
    resilience more powerful than any storm.
        Millions of lives were changed in a day by that cruel and
    destructive storm. America accepted the challenge to restore broken
    communities and disrupted lives not as a burden, but as our
    responsibility to help our fellow citizens. Victims and volunteers
    continue to demonstrate a spirit that cannot be broken--a core of
    strength that survives all hurt, a faith in God that no storm can take
    away, and an unyielding determination to clear the wreckage and build
    anew.
        In the past year, Federal, State, and local governments have worked
    to enhance our Nation's ability to prepare for and respond to natural
    disasters. The Federal Government has conducted an extensive review of
    preparedness and response efforts, and actions are being taken at every
    level to improve communications and coordination and strengthen
    emergency response capabilities. The American people can know that our
    government is working hard to be prepared to protect life and property
    should we face another such challenge.
        In the life of our Nation, we have often been reminded that nature
    is an awesome force, and that all life is fragile. However, Americans
    have always summoned the will and compassion to persevere and rebuild.
    Guided by our enduring American spirit, we know that a bright new dawn
    will rise over the great city of New Orleans, and the entire Gulf Coast
    region will reemerge stronger and more vibrant than ever.
        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 August 29, 2006, as a
    National Day of Remembrance of Hurricane Katrina. I call upon State and
    local governments, places of worship, and all Americans to mark this day
    with services and appropriate observances. I also encourage all
    Americans to remember and support the continued effort to rebuild our
    Nation's great Gulf Coast.
        In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth
    day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    first.
                                                    George W. Bush

    [[Page 1512]]

    [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:10 a.m., August 29,
    2006]

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