[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.