[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 178 (Wednesday, September 15, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 56463-56464]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-23201]




                        Presidential Documents 



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

[[Page 56463]]


                Proclamation 8559 of September 10, 2010

                
Patriot Day and National Day of Service and 
                Remembrance, 2010

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                 Nine years ago, the United States of America suffered 
                an unprecedented national tragedy. On September 11, 
                2001, nearly 3,000 individuals from across our Nation 
                and from more than 90 others, lost their lives in acts 
                of terrorism aimed at the heart of our country. The 
                Americans we lost came from every color, faith, and 
                station. They were cherished family members, friends, 
                and fellow citizens, and we will never forget them. 
                Yet, against the horrific backdrop of these events, the 
                American people revealed the innate resilience and 
                compassion that marks our Nation. When the call came 
                for volunteers to assist our heroic first responders, 
                countless men and women answered with a massive rescue 
                and recovery effort, offering hope and inspiration 
                amidst tremendous heartbreak. Today we remember those 
                we lost on that dark September day, and we honor the 
                courage and selflessness of our first responders, 
                servicemembers, and fellow citizens who served our 
                Nation and its people in our hour of greatest need.

                Throughout America, patriotism was renewed through 
                common purpose and dedicated service in the days and 
                weeks following September 11. Many joined our Armed 
                Forces to protect our country at home and abroad; 
                others chose to serve in their own neighborhoods and 
                communities, lending their skills and time to those in 
                need. Fences and boundaries gave way to fellowship and 
                unity.

                 In the wake of loss and uncertainty, Americans from 
                every corner of our country joined together to 
                demonstrate the unparalleled human capacity for good. 
                To rekindle this spirit, I signed the Edward M. Kennedy 
                Serve America Act last year, which recognizes September 
                11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. I 
                called upon every American to make an enduring 
                commitment to serve their community and our Nation. The 
                response to that appeal has been inspirational, and 
                last year more than 63 million Americans volunteered in 
                their communities. I encourage all Americans to visit 
                Serve.gov, or Servir.gov for Spanish speakers, for more 
                information and resources on opportunities for service 
                across America.

                 By any measure, these myriad acts of service have 
                strengthened our country and fostered a new wave of 
                active and engaged citizens of all ages and walks of 
                life. Americans should be particularly proud of the 
                example set by our Nation's young people, who came of 
                age following the horrors of September 11, yet still 
                believe a truly patriotic idea: that people who love 
                their country can change it. Through selfless acts for 
                country and for one another, patriots in every corner 
                of our Nation continue to honor the memory of those 
                lost on September 11, and they reaffirm our charge to 
                reach for a more perfect Union.

                 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.

[[Page 56464]]

                 NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 
                11, 2010, 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 ten, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
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                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2010-23201
Filed 9-14-10; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P