National Days of Prayer and Remembrance Proclamation
As we remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and the
thousands of innocent lives lost on that day, we recall as well the
outpouring of compassion and faith that swept our Nation in the face of
the evil done that day. In designating September 6-8 as National Days of
Prayer and Remembrance, I ask all Americans to join together in cities,
communities, neighborhoods, and places of worship to honor those who
were lost, to pray for those who grieve, and to give thanks for God's
enduring blessings on our land. And let us, through prayer, seek the
wisdom, patience, and strength to bring those responsible for the
attacks to justice and to press for a world at peace.
For the families and friends of those who died, each new day has
required new courage. Their perseverance has touched us deeply, and
their noble character has brought us hope. We stand with them in faith,
and we cherish with them the memory of those who perished.
In the aftermath of the attacks, the words of the Psalms brought
comfort to many. We trust God always to be our refuge and our strength,
an ever-present help in time of trouble. Believing that One greater than
ourselves watches over our lives and over this Nation, we continue to
place our trust in Him.
The events of September 11 altered our lives, the life of this
Nation, and the world. Americans responded to terror with resolve and
determination, first recovering, now rebuilding, and, at all times,
committing ourselves to protecting our people and preserving our
freedom. And we have found hope and healing in our faith, families, and
friendships. As we confront the challenges before us, I ask you to join
me during these Days of Prayer and Remembrance in praying for God's
continued protection and for the strength to overcome great evil with
even greater good.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Friday, September 6,
through Sunday, September 8, 2002, as National Days of Prayer and
Remembrance. I ask that the people of the United States and places of
worship mark these National Days of Prayer and Remembrance with memorial
services, the ringing of bells, and evening candlelight remembrance
vigils. I invite the people of the world to share in these Days of
Prayer and Remembrance.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day
of August, 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
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