PATRIOT DAY AND NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE, 2011

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the
American people demonstrated that in times of hardship, the values that
define us do not simply endure -- they are stronger than ever. As a
Nation, we responded to unthinkable tragedy with an outpouring of
service and goodwill. On that dark day, first responders rushed into a
burning Pentagon and climbed the stairs of smoking towers on the verge
of collapse, while citizens risked their own health and safety to
prevent further heartbreak and destruction. As Americans, we came
together to help our country recover and rebuild.

Today, we pay tribute to the selfless heroes and innocent victims of
September 11, 2001, and we reaffirm the spirit of patriotism, service,
and unity that we felt in the days and months that followed. By
volunteering our time and unique skills, we can enrich communities
across our country, and together, we can strengthen our Nation to meet
the challenges of the 21st century.

In the days to come, I ask all Americans to join together in serving
their communities and neighborhoods in honor of the victims of the
September 11 attacks. Today and throughout the year, scores of
Americans answer the call to make service a way of life -- from helping
the homeless to teaching underserved students to bringing relief to
disaster zones. I encourage all Americans to visit Serve.gov, or
Servir.gov for Spanish speakers, to learn more about service
opportunities across our country.

As we join in serving causes greater than ourselves and honoring those
we lost, we are reminded of the ways that the victims of 9/11 live on --
in the people they loved, the lives they touched, and the courageous
acts they inspired. On Patriot Day and National Day of Service and
Remembrance, we pledge to carry on their legacy of courage and
compassion, and to move forward together as one people.

By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89),
the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day,"
and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress has
requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized
"National Day of Service and Remembrance."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2011, as Patriot Day and
National Day of Service and Remembrance. I call upon all departments,
agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to display the flag
of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day and National Day of
Service and Remembrance in honor of the individuals who lost their lives
on September 11, 2001. 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 call upon the people of the
United States to participate in community service in honor of those our
Nation lost, to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and
activities, including remembrance services, and to observe a moment of
silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to honor the
innocent victims who perished 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 eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA