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

 
PROCLAMATION 8558--SEPT. 10, 2010

Proclamation 8558 of September 10, 2010
National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

In commemoration of the tragedies of September 11, 2001, we come
together as Americans each September to honor the memory of the women,
men, and children lost in New York City, in rural Pennsylvania, and at
the Pentagon. We renew our commitment to those who lost the comfort and
companionship of loved ones and friends in those moments, and we mourn
with them.
This year's National Days of Prayer and Remembrance are a time to
express our everlasting gratitude for the countless acts of valor on
September 11, 2001, and in the dark days that followed. Innocent men and
women were beginning a routine day at work on a beautiful September
morning when they tragically lost their lives in a horrific moment of
violence. We are forever indebted to the firefighters, police officers,
and other first responders who put their lives on the line to help
evacuate and rescue individuals trapped in offices and elevators.
Rushing into chaos and burning buildings, many gave their lives so
others

[[Page 4687]]

might live. We continue to draw inspiration from the unflagging service
rendered by volunteers who contributed to the recovery effort, including
civilians and servicemembers.
At this somber time, we also pause to remember the sacrifices of the men
and women in uniform who have lost their lives serving in Iraq,
Afghanistan, and elsewhere, while promoting freedom and security. When
their country faced crisis and uncertainty, a new generation of
Americans stepped forward and volunteered to serve. Their selfless
contributions are immeasurable and must never be forgotten. We honor the
members of America's Armed Forces who have left the comfort of home to
protect our Nation. We pray for their protection from every danger as
they carry out their vital missions.
At a time of national tragedy, we relied upon the strength and
resilience that has marked the pages of American history. Many Americans
turned to God, and lifted up their fellow Americans in prayer. On these
solemn days, let us remember that from the destruction of that morning,
we came together as a people and a country, united in our grief and
joined in common purpose to save, serve, and rebuild. The legacy of the
lives lost nine Septembers ago and in defense of our Nation--of husbands
and fathers, wives and mothers, cherished children, and dear friends and
loved ones--reinforces our resolve to unite with one another, for the
country we all love and the values for which we stand.
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 Friday, September 10,
through Sunday, September 12, 2010, as National Days of Prayer and
Remembrance. I ask that the people of the United States honor and
remember the victims of September 11, 2001, and their loved ones through
prayer, contemplation, memorial services, the visiting of memorials, the
ringing of bells, evening candlelight remembrance vigils, and other
appropriate ceremonies and activities. I invite people around the world
to participate in this commemoration.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA