National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2014

Proclamation 9162 of September 4, 2014

National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In the footprints of two mighty towers, at a hallowed
field where heroic actions saved even more heartbreak
and destruction, and outside a Pentagon wall where we
have rebuilt but still remember--in these sacred sites
and in quiet corners across our country, we join
together this week to remember the tragedy of thirteen
Septembers ago. We stand with those who grieve as we
offer some measure of comfort once more. We honor the
courage and selflessness of all who responded. We
reflect on the strength and grace that lift us up from
the depths of our despair. Above all, we reaffirm the
true spirit of 9/11--love, compassion, and sacrifice--
and we enshrine it forever in the heart of our Nation.

No matter how many years pass, we will never forget the
innocent souls stolen on that dark day: parents,
children, siblings, and spouses of every race and
creed. Dusty helmets, polished badges, and soot-stained
gloves serve as small symbols of those who gave
everything so others might live. But the stories of all
those lost and the beauty of their lives shine on in
those they left behind. The sacrifice of so many has
forever shaped our Nation, and we have emerged a
stronger, more resilient America. We stand tall and
unafraid, because no act of terror can match the
character of our Union or change who we are.

Each year as our Nation mourns, our faith restores us
and summons within us the sense of common purpose we
rediscovered after the attacks. Prayer and humble
reflection carry us forward on the path we travel
together, helping mend deep wounds still sore from
loss. These lasting virtues sustain us not just for one
day, but every day.

On this solemn anniversary, let us reaffirm the
fundamental American values of freedom and tolerance--
values that stand in stark contrast to the nihilism of
those who attacked us. Let us give thanks for all the
men and women in uniform who defend these values from
new threats, and let us remember those who laid down
their lives for our country. May our faith reveal that
even the darkest night gives way to a brighter dawn.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim Friday, September 5
through Sunday, September 7, 2014, as National Days of
Prayer and Remembrance. I ask that the people of the
United States honor and remember the victims of
September 11, 2001, and their loved ones through
prayer, contemplation, memorial services, the visiting
of memorials, the ringing of bells, evening candlelight
remembrance vigils, and other appropriate ceremonies
and activities. I invite people around the world to
participate in this commemoration.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.