[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8501--APR. 16, 2010

Proclamation 8501 of April 16, 2010
National Day of Service and Remembrance for Victims and Survivors of
Terrorism, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

There is no greater evil than willful violence against innocents. On
this National Day of Service and Remembrance for Victims and Survivors
of Terrorism, we pause to remember victims of terrorism at home and
abroad, we honor the heroes who have supported them, and we redouble our
efforts to build the kind of world that is worthy of their legacy.
Fifteen years ago, terrorists bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal
Building in Oklahoma City, killing over 160 men, women, and children,
and injuring hundreds more. Even before the dust settled, heroes had
emerged. First responders, medical professionals, clergy, relief
organizations, local leaders, and everyday citizens stepped forward to
help victims and their families. Again, when terrorists struck on
September 11, 2001, and thousands of Americans--and scores of foreign
nationals--perished in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in
Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Americans made a historic effort to assist
all those affected. The dignity of those who were attacked--and the
courage of those who came to their aid--reaffirmed the strength of our
Nation, and the human spirit.
Terrorists prey on the innocent and vulnerable, and have nothing to
offer except hatred and destruction. No cause justifies their actions,
yet they have claimed many victims around the world. Wherever they
kidnap or kill, they reveal only their own bankrupt vision, and disrupt
or destroy lives. Their actions impact not only their victims, but the
families, friends, and fellow citizens of those who are targeted.
Survivors of terrorism and their families, though bound at first by
anguish and loss, are united by extraordinary acts of courage, love,
faith, and commitment. They have risen against terrorism in the
aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, the September 11 attacks, and
other incidents of violence around the world. They are giving a voice to
victims, speaking out against violent and extremist ideologies, easing
the suffering of survivors, and helping them heal and hope once more.
Today, let us honor the good works of this inspiring movement that shows
us that hope is more powerful than fear, and recognize the sacrifice of
extraordinary citizens worldwide who have shown fortitude in the face of
unspeakable tragedy.

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 April 19, 2010, as
National Day of Service and Remembrance for Victims and Survivors of
Terrorism. I call upon all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities
of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half-
staff on this day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a
result of terrorism. I invite the Governors of the United States and the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and interested organizations and individuals
to join in this observance. I encourage all Americans to observe this
solemn day of remembrance with appropriate cere-

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monies, activities, and acts of community service in memory of the
victims and survivors of terrorism worldwide.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA