[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 34 (Monday, September 1, 2008)]
[Page 1160]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8284--National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2008

 August 28, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    During National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, we pay special 
tribute to the thousands of innocent victims who died on September 11, 
2001. Our Nation honors the brave citizens, service members, police 
officers, and firefighters who heroically responded in the face of 
terror. On these important days, we reflect on the terrible events of 
September 11, 2001, and lift the victims and their families in our 
prayers.
    Our Nation will never forget the individuals who lost their lives in 
New York, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon. America remains inspired by 
the countless acts of kindness and sacrifice we saw that day--fearless 
rescuers who rushed toward danger, a beloved priest who died helping 
others, two office workers who carried a disabled person 68 floors to 
safety.
    We also pray for the safety and success of the members of our Armed 
Forces now serving freedom's cause. We seek God's grace on their 
families, and commit to Heaven's care those brave men and women He has 
called home. We ask the Almighty to watch over America and pray for His 
providence and continued blessings on our country. May He always guide 
the United States of America. As we defend our country against its 
enemies, we pray for help in protecting the gift of freedom from those 
who seek to destroy it, and we ask the Almighty to strengthen all those 
securing liberty on distant shores.
     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 Friday, September 5, 
through Sunday, September 7, 2008, as National Days of Prayer and 
Remembrance. I ask that the people of the United States and their places 
of worship mark these National Days of Prayer and Remembrance with 
memorial services, the ringing of bells, and evening candlelight 
remembrance vigils. I also invite all people across the world to share 
in these Days of Prayer and Remembrance.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth 
day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., August 29, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
September 2.