Patriot Day, 2006

Proclamation 8047 of September 7, 2006

Patriot Day, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On the fifth anniversary of the attacks of September
11, 2001, we recall the fire and horror at the twin
towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a
Pennsylvania field. America will always remember the
thousands of innocent lives taken by the enemies of
freedom that morning.

In the face of these unspeakable attacks, we were
reminded that the great strength of America is found in
the hearts and souls of our citizens. We witnessed
firefighters, police officers, other public safety
officials, and ordinary Americans demonstrate
extraordinary courage, risking their lives to save
innocent victims. We saw our country united in
compassion as Americans came together to provide relief
and bring hope to others.

Today, America is fighting a war that is testing our
Nation's resolve. We are once again answering history's
call with confidence, and we know that freedom will
prevail. Our brave men and women in uniform have
stepped forward to fight our enemies abroad so that we
do not have to face them here at home, and we are
grateful for the courageous individuals bringing
terrorists to justice around the world.

We are also confronting the extremists in the great
ideological struggle of the 21st century. September the
11th made clear that, in the long run, the only way to
secure our Nation is to advance liberty and democracy
as the great alternatives to repression and radicalism.
By working together with our friends and allies, we are
helping spread the blessings of freedom and laying the
foundations of peace for generations to come.

The events of September 11, 2001, will always be a
defining moment in our history. We hold the victims and
their families in our hearts, and we lift them up in
our prayers.

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, 2006, 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 also call upon the people of
the United States to observe Patriot Day with
appropriate ceremonies, activities, and 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 Americans and people from around the world
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
seventh day of September, in the year of our Lord two
thousand six, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.