Patriot Day, 2002

Proclamation 7590 of September 4, 2002

Patriot Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On this first observance of Patriot Day, we remember
and honor those who perished in the terrorist attacks
of September 11, 2001. We will not forget the events of
that terrible morning nor will we forget how Americans
responded in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in the
skies over Pennsylvania--with heroism and selflessness;
with compassion and courage; and with prayer and hope.
We will always remember our collective obligation to
ensure that justice is done, that freedom prevails, and
that the principles upon which our Nation was founded
endure.

Inspired by the heroic sacrifices of our firefighters,
rescue and law enforcement personnel, military service
members, and other citizens, our Nation found unity,
focus, and strength. We found healing in the national
outpouring of compassion for those lost, as tens of
millions of Americans participated in moments of
silence, candlelight vigils, and religious services.
From the tragedy of September 11 emerged a stronger
Nation, renewed by a spirit of national pride and a
true love of country.

We are a people dedicated to the triumph of freedom and
democracy over evil and tyranny. The heroic stories of
the first responders who gave their all to save others
strengthened our resolve. And our Armed Forces have
pursued the war against terrorism in Afghanistan and
elsewhere with valor and skill. Together with our
coalition partners, they have achieved success.

Americans also have fought back against terror by
choosing to overcome evil with good. By loving their
neighbors as they would like to be loved, countless
citizens have answered the call to help others. They
have contributed to relief efforts, improved homeland
security in their communities, and volunteered their
time to aid those in need. This spirit of service
continues to grow as thousands have joined the newly
established USA Freedom Corps, committing themselves to
changing America one heart at a time through the
momentum of millions of acts of decency and kindness.

Those whom we lost last September 11 will forever hold
a cherished place in our hearts and in the history of
our Nation. As we mark the first anniversary of that
tragic day, we remember their sacrifice; and we commit
ourselves to honoring their memory by pursuing peace
and justice in the world and security at home. By a
joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law
107-89), the Congress has authorized and requested the
President to designate 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, 2002, as Patriot Day. I call upon the people of the
United States to observe this day with appropriate
ceremonies and activities, including remembrance
services and candlelight vigils. I also 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. Further, I encourage all
Americans 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, or
another appropriate commemorative 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
fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two
thousand two, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

(Presidential Sig.)B