[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 178 (Wednesday, September 15, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 56461-56462]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-23199]




                        Presidential Documents 



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

[[Page 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.

[[Page 56462]]

                 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. 2010-23199
Filed 9-14-10; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P