For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 4, 2002
Patriot Day, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On this first observance of Patriot Day, we remember and honor
those who perished in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We
will not forget the events of that terrible morning nor will we forget
how Americans responded in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in the
skies over Pennsylvania -- with heroism and selflessness; with
compassion and courage; and with prayer and hope. We will always
remember our collective obligation to ensure that justice is done, that
freedom prevails, and that the principles upon which our Nation was
founded endure.
Inspired by the heroic sacrifices of our firefighters, rescue and
law enforcement personnel, military service members, and other
citizens, our Nation found unity, focus, and strength. We found healing
in the national outpouring of compassion for those lost, as tens of
millions of Americans participated in moments of silence, candlelight
vigils, and religious services. From the tragedy of September 11
emerged a stronger Nation, renewed by a spirit of national pride and a
true love of country.
We are a people dedicated to the triumph of freedom and democracy
over evil and tyranny. The heroic stories of the first responders who
gave their all to save others strengthened our resolve. And our Armed
Forces have pursued the war against terrorism in Afghanistan and
else-where with valor and skill. Together with our coalition partners,
they have achieved success.
Americans also have fought back against terror by choosing to
overcome evil with good. By loving their neighbors as they would like
to be loved, countless citizens have answered the call to help others.
They have contributed to relief efforts, improved homeland security in
their communities, and volunteered their time to aid those in need.
This spirit of service continues to grow as thousands have joined the
newly established USA Freedom Corps, committing themselves to changing
America one heart at a time through the momentum of millions of acts of
decency and kindness.
Those whom we lost last September 11 will forever hold a cherished
place in our hearts and in the history of our Nation. As we mark the
first anniversary of that tragic day, we remember their sacrifice; and
we commit ourselves to honoring their memory by pursuing peace and
justice in the world and security at home. By a joint resolution
approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has
authorized and requested the President to designate 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, 2002, as Patriot Day. I
call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with
appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services
and candlelight vigils. I also 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. Further, I encourage all Americans 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, or another
appropriate commemorative time, to honor the innocent victims 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 two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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