Patriot Day, 2018

Proclamation 9782 of September 10, 2018

Patriot Day, 2018

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On Patriot Day, we honor the memories of the nearly
3,000 precious lives we lost on September 11, 2001, and
of every hero who has given their life since that day
to protect our safety and our freedom. We come
together, today, to recall this timeless truth: When
America is united, no force on Earth can break us
apart. Our values endure; our people thrive; our Nation
prevails; and the memory of our loved ones never fades.

Although that fateful Tuesday 17 years ago began like
any other, it erupted into horror and anguish when
radical Islamist terrorists carried out an
unprecedented attack on our homeland. In New York,
Virginia, and Pennsylvania, the enemies of liberty took
aim on America, but their evil acts could not crush our
spirit, overcome our will, or loosen our commitment to
freedom. Through the dust and ashes, we emerged
resilient and united--bruised but not broken.

On September 11, 2001, the world came to understand the
true source of America's strength: A people of an
indomitable will and a society rooted in the timeless
values of liberty. Our love of country was made
manifest through the examples of Americans engaging in
countless acts of courage, grit, and selflessness.
Their actions gave us hope and helped to sustain us in
the days of healing that followed. We were moved by the
heroism of the passengers and crew aboard United Flight
93, who sacrificed their lives to prevent further acts
of terror. We were inspired by police and first
responders as they rushed headlong into burning
buildings to rescue the injured and trapped, and as
they courageously braved fire, smoke, and debris,
descending deep into piles of rubble, ash, and twisted
iron to search for survivors. We were stirred to
service by the deeds of those who labored in the
ensuing days and months, often in dangerous conditions,
to help our Nation rebuild and recover. The noble
sacrifices of these true patriots are forged into the
great history of America.

Today, we honor the memories of the souls we lost on
September 11, 2001, and pay tribute to all of the
patriots who have sacrificed their lives in defense of
freedom. We pray for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen,
Marines, and Coast Guardsmen currently serving our
Nation in harm's way. We thank the dedicated men and
women who keep our homeland safe and secure. We applaud
the unsung patriots in city halls, community centers,
and places of worship across our country whose simple
acts of kindness define the greatness of America.

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, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim September
11, 2018, as Patriot Day. 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 in honor of the individuals who lost their
lives on September 11, 2001. I invite the Governors of
the United States and its Territories 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 eighteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
third.