Presidential Documents

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


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56464 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 178 / Wednesday, September 15, 2010 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

[FR Doc. 2010–23201 

Filed 9–14–10; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3195–W0–P 


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