Patriot Day, 2008

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Part IV

The President

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Proclamation 8286--Patriot Day

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8286

Patriot Day, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

September 11, 2001, was etched into America's memory
when 19 terrorists attacked us with barbarity unequaled
in our history. On Patriot Day, we cherish the memory
of the thousands of innocent victims lost, extend our
thoughts and prayers to their families, and honor the
heroic men and women who risked and sacrificed their
lives so others might survive.

Since 9/11, we have recognized the threat posed by
terrorists to the safety of the American people and
worked to protect our homeland by fighting terrorists
abroad. We are confronting terrorism by advancing
freedom, liberty, and prosperity as an alternative to
the ideologies of hatred and repression. Our Nation
pays tribute to our courageous men and women in uniform
serving around the world and the devoted members of our
law enforcement, public safety, and intelligence
communities at home who work night and day to protect
us from harm and preserve the freedom of this great
Nation.

Seven years ago, ordinary citizens rose to the
challenge, united in prayer, and responded with
extraordinary acts of courage, with some giving their
lives for the country they loved. On Patriot Day, we
remember all those who were taken from us in an instant
and seek their lasting memorial in a safer and more
hopeful world. We must not allow our resolve to be
weakened by the passage of time. We will meet the test
that history has given us and continue to fight to rid
the world of terrorism and promote liberty around the
globe.

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, 2008, 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
eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.