    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 36 (Monday, September 10, 2007)]
    [Pages 1167-1168]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 8174--Patriot Day, 2007

     September 4, 2007

     By the President of the United States

     of America

     A Proclamation

        September 11, 2001, was a defining moment in American history. On
    that terrible day, our Nation saw the face of evil as 19 men barbarously
    attacked us and wantonly murdered people of many races, nationalities,
    and creeds. On Patriot Day, we remember the innocent victims, and we pay
    tribute to the valiant firefighters, police officers, emergency
    personnel, and ordinary citizens who risked their lives so others might
    live.
        After the attacks on 9/11, America resolved that we would go on the
    offense against our enemies, and we would not distinguish between the
    terrorists and those who harbor and support them. All Americans honor
    the selfless men and women of our Armed Forces, the dedicated members of
    our public safety, law enforcement, and intelligence communities, and
    the thousands of others who work hard each day to protect our country,
    secure our liberty, and prevent future attacks.
        The spirit of our people is the source of America's strength, and 6
    years ago, Americans came to the aid of neighbors in need. On Patriot
    Day, we pray for those who died and for their families. We volunteer to
    help others and demonstrate the continuing compassion of our citizens.
    On this solemn occasion, we rededicate ourselves to laying the
    foundation of peace with confidence in our mission and our free way of
    life.
        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, 2007, 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 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 fourth day of
    September, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the
    Independence of the United

    [[Page 1168]]

    States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.
                                                    George W. Bush

     [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:10 a.m., September
    6, 2007]

    Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on September 5, and it was published in the Federal Register
    on September 7.