In Memoriam
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Four years have passed since our country was brutally attacked on a quiet September morning. On that day, thousands of innocent lives were taken from us. The victims and the families who lost loved ones remain in the hearts and prayers of our Nation. We also remember the courage of the firefighters, police officers, emergency rescue personnel, and scores of private citizens who showed us the true meaning of heroism and demonstrated our resolve to the world.
The mission that began on September 11, 2001, continues. Today, we see the virtue of the September 11th heroes embodied in our military personnel, who are taking the fight to our enemies and helping to keep us safe at home. Thousands of other Americans, from intelligence analysts to border guards to countless others, are doing vital work to help defend America and prevent future attacks. We are grateful to all of these men and women and to their families for their service and sacrifice. We honor those who have lost their lives defending our freedom, and we pray that God comfort their families. We pledge that we will not rest until we have won the war on terror.
As we mark this solemn anniversary, I call upon all our citizens to express their patriotism and their gratitude for the blessings of liberty. By flying the flag, supporting military families, and teaching young people about our founding ideals, we honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and since, and we help preserve our freedom for future generations.
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, 2005, 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 call upon the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including 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 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 ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.
–President George W. Bush, September 11, 2001.
Great harm has been done to us. We have suffered great loss. And in our grief and anger we have found our mission and our moment. Freedom and fear are at war. The advance of human freedom — the great achievement of our time, and the great hope of every time — now depends on us. Our nation — this generation — will lift a dark threat of violence from our people and our future. We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage. We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.
– President George W. Bush, September 20, 2001.
On Sunday, our nation will observe the fourth anniversary of the September the 11th terrorist attacks. Every American has memories of that day that will never leave them. We remember the images of fire and terror at the Pentagon, in Pennsylvania, and in the heart of New York City.
We remember the ruthlessness of those who murdered the innocent and took joy in their suffering. We remember the courage of the police and firefighters and rescue personnel who rushed into burning buildings to save lives, knowing they might never emerge. And we remember the victims — moms and dads, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives — and the loved ones they left behind.
As night fell on America on September the 11th, 2001, we felt grief and great sorrow. Yet we also saw that, while the terrorists could kill the innocent, they could not defeat the spirit of our nation. The despair and tragedy of that day were overcome by displays of selflessness, courage and compassion.
And in the days and weeks that followed, America answered history’s call to bring justice to our enemies and to ensure the survival and success of liberty. And that mission continues today.
Four years later, Americans remember the fears and uncertainty and confusion of that terrible morning. But above all, we remember the resolve of our nation to defend our freedom, rebuild a wounded city, and care for our neighbors in need.
–President George W. Bush, September 10, 2005.
The Gray Tie says:
Progress and Remembering Nine Eleven
Yes, this is a few hours early but thank GOD I will have the freedom and privilege to go to Sunday School and to Mass on Sunday morning.
Hardcore Conservative says:
Thank you Beth
In Memory of the Hero’sand Victiim’s of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001
:cry:
CatHouse Chat says:
Four years ago - never forget
Four years ago… September 11, 2001. What were you doing? What was I doing? What happened that day? I had just dropped the Darling Munchkin off for school. She was just starting First Grade, and really liked her new teacher,
basil's blog says:
Brunch: 9/11/2005
Try one of these specials with your Sunday Brunch: Beth remembers. Romeocat remembers. Michele (actually Sigmund, Carl and Alfred) remembers. [via SCA] Harvey remembers. William Teach remembers. Stop the ACLU! has a roundup. PebblePie says boycott Yaho…
Stop The ACLU says:
September 11th Remembered
For those who don’t know, I’m a Staff Seargent (E-5) in active duty Air Force. Back in 2001 I was an Airman First Class (E-3). I got orders, and was deployed to Kuwait.
It was actually pretty nice at the base I got stationed at. Our partic…
Ranger Tom says:
I will NEVER forget…
Like what you’re doing here & I’ll be back often.
Sister Toldjah says:
Remembering 9-11-01
It’s impossible to watch documentaries about 9-11 without recalling your own memories of what you were doing that day. As we approach the 4th anniversary of 9-11, I wanted to share with you my personal 9-11 story. I originally posted this on my blog …
Gun-Toting Liberal says:
Great post, my friend! It’s amazing just how many people HAVE forgotten the horror, the shock, and the PURE EVIL displayed by utterly disgusting human beings on that day.
I *assure* you; I am NOT one of those who’ve forgotten!
Blogs for Bush says:
9/11
Remembering. Remembering. Remembering. Remembering. Remembering. Remembering. Remembering. Remembering. Remembering. Remembering. Remembering. Remembering. Remembering. Remembering. Remembering. Remembering. Remembering. Remembering. Remembering. Remem…
The Political Teen » 9/11 - Never Forget says:
[...] ion Generation Why? Powerline Captain’s Quarters My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy » Trackbacks for this postPeat Bog linked with [...]
FFGC, Get It? says:
Patriot Day
Silence and respect.
Resolve.
Why Not - Right? says:
Why Not Come Back Today
September 11, 2001 - I was just like many other Americans. I watched in horror, compassion and utter astonishment as My Nation was attacked. My roommate at the time came up behind me as I sat on the living room floor. “You know people there don’t you…
Darleen's Place says:
9/11 - More thoughts and links
One of the things I love about being a member of The Cotillion is the sense of shared community. We email and chat amongst ourselves - pointing out things to read, cheering on good news, offering comfort in the…
Publius Rendezvous says:
9/11 (+4)
I laughed, I scoffed at my friends. I blatantly told them that they were blowing it out of proportion somehow and arrogantly told them that what they were describing could not conceivably occur in the United States of America.
Then, a man with who…
Fred says:
My “911″ story:
I was still in the active duty Army and stationed in Germany. We were schedualed to deploy to Kuwait as a part of Operation Southern Watch, October 15th, 2001. We’d been schedualed on the 11th to get our team qualified for missile reload on our launchers. We spent from dawn till around noon on a typical sh!tty gray/dull/overcast German day get everything ready to go, and running through a practice drill.
We started our drill. It started to rain. It started to pour. It started to hail. The sun came out. It started to pour again. Typical fall German day. Anyways, we failed. An hour and a half of constant hauling ass to get in under time, and we failed. I’m not going to go into who’s fault it was, we failed. We dragged our asses back into the barracks, just in time to see the second plane hit.
I spent all that night and the next two or three weeks on gate guard. Then we got on the plane and headed out to Kuwait for 6+ months. I’ll never forget that failure. If there is one thing the Army teaches you, its that your “chain” or team, is only as strong as the weakest link. America’s weakest link has been, for along time, its foriegn policy.
Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys.. says:
9/11
Take a moment, ponder the event and the impact it’s had on our lives - 9/11 echoes in the response to Katrina. Remember the Day… and that while we fight… We also build - and in some cases, fight so…
Merri Musings says:
Remembering 9/11
As anyone would probably tell you, September 11, 2001 started out as any other day for me. It was a Tuesday and just two days after my son’s fourth birthday. My daughter, born on May 1, 2001, was only slightly
The Art of the Blog says:
Never Forget
Four years ago, war was declared on the United States and our way of life. Whether or not you think we deserve it, you cannot deny that this is so. They struck us to the core. Now we are striking…
Speed of Thought says:
Remembering…
September 11, 2001
Merri Musings says:
Remembering 9/11
As anyone would probably tell you, September 11, 2001 started out as any other day for me. It was a Tuesday and just two days after my son’s fourth birthday. My daughter, born on May 1, 2001, was only slightly…