Today, September 11, marks the 11 year anniversary of the tragic
terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Below is
the Presidential Proclamation made by President Barack Obama declaring
September 11 to be Patriot Day and National Day of Service and
Remembrance. Please take a moment today to read this proclamation and to
remember those affected by this tragedy.
In the aftermath of
the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the American people demonstrated
that in times of hardship, the values that define us do not simply endure --
they are stronger than ever. As a Nation, we responded to unthinkable tragedy
with an outpouring of service and goodwill. On that dark day, first
responders rushed into a burning Pentagon and climbed the stairs of smoking
towers on the verge of collapse, while citizens risked their own health and
safety to prevent further heartbreak and destruction. As Americans, we
came together to help our country recover and rebuild.
Today, we pay tribute
to the selfless heroes and innocent victims of September 11, 2001, and we
reaffirm the spirit of patriotism, service, and unity that we felt in the days
and months that followed. By volunteering our time and unique skills, we
can enrich communities across our country, and together, we can strengthen our
Nation to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
In the days to come, I
ask all Americans to join together in serving their communities and
neighborhoods in honor of the victims of the September 11 attacks. Today
and throughout the year, scores of Americans answer the call to make service a
way of life -- from helping the homeless to teaching underserved students to
bringing relief to disaster zones. I encourage all Americans to visit
Serve.gov, or Servir.gov for Spanish speakers, to learn more about service
opportunities across our country.
As we join in serving
causes greater than ourselves and honoring those we lost, we are reminded of
the ways that the victims of 9/11 live on -- in the people they loved, the
lives they touched, and the courageous acts they inspired. On Patriot Day
and National Day of Service and Remembrance, we pledge to carry on their legacy
of courage and compassion, and to move forward together as one people.
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, 2011, 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 ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord
two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America
the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK
OBAMA
