National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2011

Vol. 76

Wednesday,

No. 178

September 14, 2011

Part IV

The President

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Proclamation 8708--National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2011

Proclamation 8709--National Grandparents Day, 2011

Proclamation 8710--Patriot Day and National Day of Service and
Remembrance, 2011

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8708 of September 9, 2011

National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2011

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Ten years ago, a bright September day was darkened by
the worst terrorist attack on America in our Nation's
history. On this tenth anniversary of the tragic events
of September 11, 2001, we lift in prayer and
remembrance the men, women, and children who died in
New York City, in Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon,
and we honor the countless heroes who responded to
senseless violence with courage and compassion. We
continue to stand with their families and loved ones,
while striving to ensure the legacy of those we lost is
a safer, stronger, and more resilient Nation.

Since that day, a generation has come of age bearing
the burden of war. The 9/11 Generation of service
members and their families has stepped up to defend our
security at home and abroad. They volunteer, knowing
they might be sent into harm's way, and they uphold the
virtues of selflessness and sacrifice that have always
been at the center of our Nation's strength. We pay
humble tribute to all those who serve in our Armed
Forces, and to the thousands of brave Americans who
have given their last full measure of devotion during
this difficult decade of war.

First responders, law enforcement officials, service
members, diplomats--the range of Americans who have
dedicated themselves to building a safer world is awe-
inspiring. We have put unprecedented pressure on those
who attacked us 10 years ago and put al-Qa'ida on the
path to defeat. Around the globe, we have joined with
allies and partners to support peace, security,
prosperity, and universal rights. At home, communities
have come together to make us a stronger country,
united by our diversity, our character, and our
enduring principles.

Today, our Nation still faces great challenges, but
this last decade has proven once more that, as a
people, we emerge from our trials stronger than before.
During these days of prayer and remembrance, a grateful
Nation gives thanks to all those who have given of
themselves to make us safer. And in memory of the
fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and
sisters, and friends and loved ones taken from us 10
years ago, let us join again in common cause to build a
more hopeful world.

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 9
through Sunday, September 11, 2011, 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
ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.