Presidential Documents

42439 

Federal Register 

Vol. 82, No. 172 

Thursday, September 7, 2017 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 9634 of September 1, 2017 

National Day of Prayer for the Victims of Hurricane Harvey 

and for Our National Response and Recovery Efforts 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

Hurricane Harvey first made landfall as a Category 4 storm near Rockport, 

Texas, on the evening of August 25, 2017. The storm has since devastated 

communities in both Texas and Louisiana, claiming many lives, inflicting 

countless injuries, destroying or damaging tens of thousands of homes, and 

causing billions of dollars in damage. The entire Nation grieves with Texas 

and Louisiana. We are deeply grateful for those performing acts of service, 

and we pray for healing and comfort for those in need. 

Americans have always come to the aid of their fellow countrymen—friend 

helping friend, neighbor helping neighbor, and stranger helping stranger— 

and we vow to do so in response to Hurricane Harvey. From the beginning 

of our Nation, Americans have joined together in prayer during times of 

great need, to ask for God’s blessings and guidance. This tradition dates 

to June 12, 1775, when the Continental Congress proclaimed a day of prayer 

following the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and April 30, 1789, when 

President George Washington, during the Nation’s first Presidential inauguration, asked Americans to pray for God’s protection and favor. 

When we look across Texas and Louisiana, we see the American spirit 

of service embodied by countless men and women. Brave first responders 

have rescued those stranded in drowning cars and rising water. Families 

have given food and shelter to those in need. Houses of worship have 

organized efforts to clean up communities and repair damaged homes. Individuals of every background are striving for the same goal—to aid and 

comfort people facing devastating losses. As Americans, we know that no 

challenge is too great for us to overcome. 

As response and recovery efforts continue, and as Americans provide much 

needed relief to the people of Texas and Louisiana, we are reminded of 

Scripture’s promise that ‘‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present 

help in trouble.’’ Melania and I are grateful to everyone devoting time, 

effort, and resources to the ongoing response, recovery, and rebuilding efforts. 

We invite all Americans to join us as we continue to pray for those who 

have lost family members or friends, and for those who are suffering in 

this time of crisis. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States 

of America, do hereby proclaim September 3, 2017, as a National Day 

of Prayer for the Victims of Hurricane Harvey and for our National Response 

and Recovery Efforts. We give thanks for the generosity and goodness of 

all those who have responded to the needs of their fellow Americans. 

I urge Americans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds 

to offer prayers today for all those harmed by Hurricane Harvey, including 

people who have lost family members or been injured, those who have 

lost homes or other property, and our first responders, law enforcement 

officers, military personnel, and medical professionals leading the response 

and recovery efforts. Each of us, in our own way, may call upon our 

God for strength and comfort during this difficult time. I call on all Americans 

and houses of worship throughout the Nation to join in one voice of prayer, 

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42440 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 172 / Thursday, September 7, 2017 / Presidential Documents 

as we seek to uplift one another and assist those suffering from the consequences of this terrible storm. 

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

September, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the 

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortysecond. 

[FR Doc. 2017–19131 

Filed 9–6–17; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3295–F7–P 


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