For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 9, 2005
Patriot Day, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Four years have passed since our country was brutally attacked on a quiet
September morning. On that day, thousands of innocent lives were taken
from us. The victims and the families who lost loved ones remain in the
hearts and prayers of our Nation. We also remember the courage of the
firefighters, police officers, emergency rescue personnel, and scores of
private citizens who showed us the true meaning of heroism and demonstrated
our resolve to the world.
The mission that began on September 11, 2001, continues. Today, we see the
virtue of the September 11th heroes embodied in our military personnel, who
are taking the fight to our enemies and helping to keep us safe at home.
Thousands of other Americans, from intelligence analysts to border guards
to countless others, are doing vital work to help defend America and
prevent future attacks. We are grateful to all of these men and women and
to their families for their service and sacrifice. We honor those who have
lost their lives defending our freedom, and we pray that God comfort their
families. We pledge that we will not rest until we have won the war on
terror.
As we mark this solemn anniversary, I call upon all our citizens to express
their patriotism and their gratitude for the blessings of liberty. By
flying the flag, supporting military families, and teaching young people
about our founding ideals, we honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001,
and since, and we help preserve our freedom for future generations.
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107 89), the
Congress has designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2005, as Patriot Day. I call
upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to
direct that the flag be flown at half staff on Patriot Day. I call upon
the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate
ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, to display the
flag at half staff from their homes on that day, and to observe a moment
of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the
innocent victims who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks
of September 11, 2001.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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