Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 178 / Wednesday, September 15, 2010 / Presidential Documents 56461 

Proclamation 8558 of September 10, 2010 

National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2010 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

In commemoration of the tragedies of September 11, 2001, we come together 

as Americans each September to honor the memory of the women, men, 

and children lost in New York City, in rural Pennsylvania, and at the 

Pentagon. We renew our commitment to those who lost the comfort and 

companionship of loved ones and friends in those moments, and we mourn 

with them. 

This year’s National Days of Prayer and Remembrance are a time to express 

our everlasting gratitude for the countless acts of valor on September 11, 

2001, and in the dark days that followed. Innocent men and women were 

beginning a routine day at work on a beautiful September morning when 

they tragically lost their lives in a horrific moment of violence. We are 

forever indebted to the firefighters, police officers, and other first responders 

who put their lives on the line to help evacuate and rescue individuals 

trapped in offices and elevators. Rushing into chaos and burning buildings, 

many gave their lives so others might live. We continue to draw inspiration 

from the unflagging service rendered by volunteers who contributed to the 

recovery effort, including civilians and servicemembers. 

At this somber time, we also pause to remember the sacrifices of the men 

and women in uniform who have lost their lives serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, 

and elsewhere, while promoting freedom and security. When their country 

faced crisis and uncertainty, a new generation of Americans stepped forward 

and volunteered to serve. Their selfless contributions are immeasurable and 

must never be forgotten. We honor the members of America’s Armed Forces 

who have left the comfort of home to protect our Nation. We pray for 

their protection from every danger as they carry out their vital missions. 

At a time of national tragedy, we relied upon the strength and resilience 

that has marked the pages of American history. Many Americans turned 

to God, and lifted up their fellow Americans in prayer. On these solemn 

days, let us remember that from the destruction of that morning, we came 

together as a people and a country, united in our grief and joined in 

common purpose to save, serve, and rebuild. The legacy of the lives lost 

nine Septembers ago and in defense of our Nation—of husbands and fathers, 

wives and mothers, cherished children, and dear friends and loved ones— 

reinforces our resolve to unite with one another, for the country we all 

love and the values for which we stand. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States 

of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 

and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Friday, September 

10, through Sunday, September 12, 2010, as National Days of Prayer and 

Remembrance. I ask that the people of the United States honor and remember 

the victims of September 11, 2001, and their loved ones through prayer, 

contemplation, memorial services, the visiting of memorials, the ringing 

of bells, evening candlelight remembrance vigils, and other appropriate ceremonies and activities. I invite people around the world to participate in 

this commemoration. 


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56462 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 178 / Wednesday, September 15, 2010 / Presidential Documents 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of 

September, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence 

of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth. 

[FR Doc. 2010–23199 

Filed 9–14–10; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3195–W0–P 


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