By President Barack Obama
Twelve years ago this month, nearly three
thousand innocent men, women, and children lost
their lives in attacks meant to terrorize our
Nation. They had been going about their day,
harming no one, when sudden violence struck. We
will never undo the pain and injustice borne
that terrible morning, nor will we ever forget
those we lost.
On September 11, 2001, amid shattered glass,
twisted steel, and clouds of dust, the spirit of
America shone through. We remember the sacrifice
of strangers and first responders who rushed
into darkness to carry others from danger. We
remember the unbreakable bonds of unity we felt
in the long days that followed -- how we held
each other, how we came to our neighbors' aid,
how we prayed for one another. We recall how
Americans of every station joined together to
support the survivors in their hour of need and
to heal our Nation in the years that followed.
Today, we can honor those we lost by building a
Nation worthy of their memories. Let us also
live up to the selfless example of the heroes
who gave of themselves in the face of such great
evil. As we mark the anniversary of September
11, I invite all Americans to observe a National
Day of Service and Remembrance by uniting in the
same extraordinary way we came together after
the attacks. Like the Americans who chose
compassion when confronted with cruelty, we can
show our love for one another by devoting our
time and talents to those in need. I encourage
all Americans to visit
www.Serve.gov,
or
www.Servir.gov for Spanish speakers, to find
ways to get involved in their communities.
As we serve and remember, we reaffirm our ties
to one another. On September 11, 2001, no matter
where we came from, what God we prayed to, or
what race or ethnicity we were, we were united
as one American family. May the same be said of
us today, and always.
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001
(Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated
September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day," and
by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009,
the Congress has requested the observance of
September 11 as an annually recognized "National
Day of Service and Remembrance."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of
the United States of America, do hereby proclaim
September 11, 2013, as Patriot Day and National
Day of Service and Remembrance. I call upon all
departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of
the United States to display the flag of the
United States at half-staff on Patriot Day and
National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor
of the individuals who lost their lives on
September 11, 2001. I invite the Governors of
the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico and interested organizations and
individuals to join in this observance. I call
upon the people of the United States to
participate in community service in honor of
those our Nation lost, to observe this day with
appropriate ceremonies and activities, including
remembrance services, and to observe a moment of
silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight
Time to honor the innocent victims who perished
as a result of the terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
this tenth day of September, in the year of our
Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the
two hundred and thirty-eighth. |
