[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 36 (Monday, September 15, 2008)]
[Pages 1185-1186]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8286--Patriot Day, 2008

 September 8, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    September 11, 2001, was etched into America's memory when 19 
terrorists attacked us with barbarity unequaled in our history. On 
Patriot Day, we cherish the memory of the thousands of innocent victims 
lost, extend our thoughts and prayers to their families, and honor the 
heroic men and women who risked and sacrificed their lives so others 
might survive.
    Since 9/11, we have recognized the threat posed by terrorists to the 
safety of the American people and worked to protect our homeland by 
fighting terrorists abroad. We are confronting terrorism by advancing 
freedom, liberty, and prosperity as an alternative to the ideologies of 
hatred and repression. Our Nation pays tribute to our courageous men and 
women in uniform serving around the world and the devoted members of our 
law enforcement, public safety, and intelligence communities at home who 
work night and day to protect us from harm and preserve the freedom of 
this great Nation.
    Seven years ago, ordinary citizens rose to the challenge, united in 
prayer, and responded with extraordinary acts of courage, with some 
giving their lives for the country they loved. On Patriot Day, we 
remember all those who were taken from us in an instant and seek their 
lasting memorial in a safer and more hopeful world. We must not allow 
our

[[Page 1186]]

resolve to be weakened by the passage of time. We will meet the test 
that history has given us and continue to fight to rid the world of 
terrorism and promote liberty around the globe.
    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, 2008, 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 eighth day of 
September, 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, 11:15 a.m., September 
9, 2008]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 10. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish 
language version of this proclamation.