[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 36 (Monday, September 11, 2006)]
[Pages 1589-1590]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8047--Patriot Day, 2006

September 7, 2006

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    On the fifth anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, we 
recall the fire and horror at the twin towers of the World Trade Center, 
the Pentagon, and a Pennsylvania field. America will always remember the 
thousands of innocent lives taken by the enemies of freedom that 
morning.
    In the face of these unspeakable attacks, we were reminded that the 
great strength of America is found in the hearts and souls of our 
citizens. We witnessed firefighters, police officers, other public 
safety officials, and ordinary Americans demonstrate extraordinary 
courage, risking their lives to save innocent victims. We saw our 
country united in compassion as Americans came together to provide 
relief and bring hope to others.
    Today, America is fighting a war that is testing our Nation's 
resolve. We are once again answering history's call with confidence, and 
we know that freedom will prevail. Our brave men and women in uniform 
have stepped forward to fight our enemies abroad so that we do not have 
to face them here at home, and we are grateful for the courageous 
individuals bringing terrorists to justice around the world.
    We are also confronting the extremists in the great ideological 
struggle of the 21st century. September the 11th made clear that, in the 
long run, the only way to secure our Nation is to advance liberty and 
democracy as the great alternatives to repression and radicalism. By 
working together with our friends and allies, we are helping spread the 
blessings of freedom and laying the foundations of peace for generations 
to come.
    The events of September 11, 2001, will always be a defining moment 
in our history. We hold the victims and their families in our hearts, 
and we lift them up in our prayers.
    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, 2006, 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 also call 
upon the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with 
appropriate ceremonies, activities, and 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 Americans and people from around

[[Page 1590]]

the world 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 seventh day of 
September, 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

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:20 a.m., September 11, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
September 12.