[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7590]

Proc. 7590

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.

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          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.

GEORGE W. BUSH