Patriot Day, 2003

Proclamation 7702 of September 4, 2003

Patriot Day, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Two years ago, more than 3,000 innocent people lost
their lives when a calm September morning was shattered
by terrorists driven by hatred and destruction.

On that day, and in its aftermath, we saw the greatness
of America in the bravery of victims; in the heroism of
first responders who laid down their lives to save
others; in the compassion of people who stepped forward
to help those they had never met; and in the generosity
of millions of Americans who enriched our country with
acts of service and kindness. Since that day, we have
seen the greatness of America further demonstrated in
the courage of our brave men and women in uniform who
have served and sacrificed in Afghanistan, in Iraq, and
around the world to advance freedom and prevent
terrorist attacks on America.

As we remember September 11, 2001, we reaffirm the vows
made in the earliest hours of our grief and anger. As
liberty's home and defender, America will not tire,
will not falter, and will not fail in fighting for the
safety and security of the American people and a world
free from terrorism. We will continue to bring our
enemies to justice or bring justice to them. This
Patriot Day, we hold steady to this task.

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, 2003, 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. In addition, I call upon
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 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 three, and of the

Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twenty-eighth.

(Presidential Sig.)B