Patriot Day
Observances
In September, America remembered
those men and women who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. President
George W. Bush and Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao honored them in
special ways.
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PATRIOT DAY President
George W. Bush issued a proclamation naming September 11, 2003 as Patriot Day.
The proclamation declares:
"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."
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
COMMEMORATION At exactly 8:46 am, the moment when the first
plane struck in New York, a large flag was unfurled before a crowd of
Department of Labor employees gathered on the steps of the south entrance to
the Frances Perkins Building (FPB) to commemorate the second anniversary of
September 11. In moving remarks before the unfurling, Secretary Elaine L. Chao
honored the memories of those who were lost and prayed that their families and
loved ones will be comforted.
She recalled heroes of that day including the brave rescuers who gave
their lives to save others. She spoke of the generosity and compassion of our
fellow Americans, the courageous men and women of the skilled building trades
who reclaimed Ground Zero, and our men and women in uniform and Labor
Department colleagues working to build a free and just society for the Iraqi
people.
Immediately after the ceremony, events
moved inside the FPB where attendees witnessed the unveiling of two bronze
plaques near the Great Hall. These plaques will serve as permanent tributes to
the innocent victims and heroes of September 11th and to our DOL colleagues who
helped to deliver critical assistance in the aftermath.
The first plaque honors the victims, heroes and survivors of September
11th.
The other bronze plaque bears the following inscription:
"In recognition of our dedicated Department of Labor employees who
worked at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and throughout the United States to assist
the victims and survivors of the attack of September 11, 2001. Your commitment,
courage and compassion are an inspiration to us all."
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For More Information About WB, Contact: U.S.
Department of Labor Women's Bureau 200 Constitution Avenue, NW - Room
S-3002 Washington, DC 20210 Telephone 1-800-827-5335 or (202)
693-6710 Fax (202) 693-6725
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