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OPA News Release: [09/11/2002]
Contact Name: Elissa
Pruett
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Remarks in
Remembrance of the Events of September 11, 2001
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao made the
following remarks today at a Patriot Day memorial service in Louisville,
Kentucky.
Thank you, and thank you pipers, for opening this tribute on such a
beautiful and poignant note. We are here today to honor the brave heroes,
innocent victims and survivors of the attacks on our country of September 11,
2001. On that terrible day, we experienced the worst attacks on American soil
since Pearl Harbor 60 years ago.
Terrorists who hate freedom struck at the World Trade Center -- symbol
of our economic might -- and at the Pentagon, symbol of America’s military
might. They deliberately targeted thousands of innocent civilians. The
terrorists thought we were a soft nation, that these attacks would demoralize
us. They wanted to destroy our liberties and divide our country.
They couldn’t have been more wrong. Today, we are stronger and more
united than ever.
As we remember and reflect today, let’s not forget the good that
has been forged from this tragedy. Our forces have liberated Afghanistan and
forced what remains of al-Qaeda into retreat. For the first time in many years,
a democratic government is taking shape in Kabul. After an absence of more than
5 years, girls can go to school. Women can leave their homes free of their
burquas. The country has been freed from a cruel regime and there is real hope
for progress.
We are a peace loving nation, but our way of life on the home front has
been forever altered. We, as Americans, have risen to the challenges of this
new war on terrorism. Today, as we remember those who perished in the attacks
of September 11, our hearts are united in grief but our spirits are resolute in
the war against terror.
Now it is my honor to read President George W. Bush’s Proclamation
naming September 11, 2002 as Patriot Day.
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
On this first observance of Patriot Day, we remember and honor those
who perished in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We will not forget
the events of that terrible morning nor will we forget how Americans responded
in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in the skies over Pennsylvania-with
heroism and selflessness; with compassion and courage; and with prayer and
hope. We will always remember our collective obligation to ensure that justice
is done, that freedom prevails, and that the principles upon which our Nation
was founded endure.
Inspired by the heroic sacrifices of our firefighters, rescue and law
enforcement personnel, military service members, and other citizens, our Nation
found unity, focus, and strength. We found healing in the national outpouring
of compassion for those lost, as tens of millions of Americans participated in
moments of silence, candlelight vigils, and religious services. From the
tragedy of September 11 emerged a stronger Nation, renewed by a spirit of
national pride and a true love of country.
We are a people dedicated to the triumph of freedom and democracy
over evil and tyranny. The heroic stories of the first responders who gave
their all to save others strengthened our resolve. And our Armed Forces have
pursued the war against terrorism in Afghanistan and else-where with valor and
skill. Together with our coalition partners, they have achieved
success.
Americans also have fought back against terror by choosing to
overcome evil with good. By loving their neighbors as they would like to be
loved, countless citizens have answered the call to help others. They have
contributed to relief efforts, improved homeland security in their communities,
and volunteered their time to aid those in need.
This spirit of service continues to grow as thousands have joined the
newly established USA Freedom Corps, committing themselves to changing America
one heart at a time through the momentum of millions of acts of decency and
kindness.
Those whom we lost last September 11 will forever hold a cherished
place in our hearts and in the history of our Nation. As we mark the first
anniversary of that tragic day, we remember their sacrifice; and we commit
ourselves to honoring their memory by pursuing peace and justice in the world
and security at home. By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public
Law 107-89), the Congress has authorized and requested the President to
designate September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United State of
America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2002, as Patriot Day. I call upon the
people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and
activities, including remembrance services and candlelight vigils. I also more
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. Further, I encourage all
Americans 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, or
another appropriate commemorative 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 fourth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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