Sept. 11th Patriot Day

September 11th...........911....................shock, sadness, fear.

There isn't a day that passes that I don't remember September 11, 2001. It was a wake up call for me in so many ways. After that day, the whole world changed. Before 9/11, I thought that we could never be attacked at home. That home, that our country, was safe. That war, would always be on foreign soil. That war would be fought between soldiers. Never civilians, never a surprise, never at home. Working in the city and seeing tall buildings every day, it frightened me. I would see the Aon Center (the fourth largest building in the US) at the end of the street, whenever I got off the train, and picture a plane hitting it. Unimagineable before that day. So many people were touched by the tragedy that day. My brother was so close to being on one of those planes. My friend Michelle lost a family member.

It made everyone realize that life can be taken from us at any moment. It is truly a gift - a present to be lived and enjoyed in the present. Wayne and I started an unofficial "bucket list". We took the long wished-for rafting trip on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. We swam with dolphins. We went to Disney World. We went to Paris. Many, many things led us to the decision to risk so much and pray to God for a child. Sept. 11th definitely played a major part in that decision for me. Songs like, "I hope you dance" had new meaning. There is no dress rehearsal - this is the real thing. And at least I believe, we only get one shot at it.

Please fly your flag today. Take a day to love your country and your fellow Americans. Our freedom is something to be treasured. Say a prayer that our safety will continue, our blessings in this great country will continue for us and our children.

Patriot Day, 2008 A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

September 11, 2001, was etched into America's memory when 19 terrorists attacked us with barbarity unequaled in our history. On Patriot Day, we cherish the memory of the thousands of innocent victims lost, extend our thoughts and prayers to their families, and honor the heroic men and women who risked and sacrificed their lives so others might survive.

Since 9/11, we have recognized the threat posed by terrorists to the safety of the American people and worked to protect our homeland by fighting terrorists abroad. We are confronting terrorism by advancing freedom, liberty, and prosperity as an alternative to the ideologies of hatred and repression. Our Nation pays tribute to our courageous men and women in uniform serving around the world and the devoted members of our law enforcement, public safety, and intelligence communities at home who work night and day to protect us from harm and preserve the freedom of this great Nation.

Seven years ago, ordinary citizens rose to the challenge, united in prayer, and responded with extraordinary acts of courage, with some giving their lives for the country they loved. On Patriot Day, we remember all those who were taken from us in an instant and seek their lasting memorial in a safer and more hopeful world. We must not allow our resolve to be weakened by the passage of time. We will meet the test that history has given us and continue to fight to rid the world of terrorism and promote liberty around the globe.

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, 2008, 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 also call upon the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and 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 Americans and people from around the world 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 eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH