[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.