Today, on the eighth anniversary of 9/11, Allentown is having a bike race. Jumbotron and everything!Whoopee!
Meanwhile, back on the ranch, President Barack Obama has just issued a Proclamation to commemorate that horrible day with a moment of silence, a day of community service and a recommendation to fly flags at half staff. But what the hell does he know?
Through the twisted steel of the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the scarred walls of the Pentagon, and the smoky wreckage in a field in southwest Pennsylvania, the patriotism and resiliency of the American people shone brightly on September 11, 2001. We stood as one people, united in our common humanity and shared sorrow. We grieved for those who perished and remembered what brought us together as Americans.
Today, we honor the lives we lost 8 years ago. On a bright September day, innocent men, women, and children boarded planes and set off for work as they had so many times before. Unthinkable acts of terrorism brought tragedy, destruction, pain, and loss for people across our Nation and the world.
As we pay tribute to loved ones, friends, fellow citizens, and all who died, we reaffirm our commitment to the ideas and ideals that united Americans in the aftermath of the attacks. We must apprehend all those who perpetrated these heinous crimes, seek justice for those who were killed, and defend against all threats to our national security. We must also recommit ourselves to our founding principles. September 11 reminds us that our fate as individuals is tied to that of our Nation. Our democracy is strengthened when we uphold the freedoms upon which our Nation was built: equality, justice, liberty, and democracy. These values exemplify the patriotism and sacrifice we commemorate today.
In that same spirit of patriotism, I call upon all Americans to join in service and honor the lives we lost, the heroes who responded in our hour of need, and the brave men and women in uniform who continue to protect our country at home and abroad. In April, I was proud to sign the bipartisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which recognizes September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Originated by the family members of those who lost loved ones on 9/11, the National Day of Service and Remembrance is an opportunity to salute the heroes of 9/11, recapture the spirit of unity and compassion that inspired our Nation following the attacks, and rededicate ourselves to sustained service to our communities.
Throughout the summer, people of all ages and backgrounds came together to lend a helping hand in their communities through United We Serve. As this summer of service draws to an end, we renew the call to engage in meaningful service activities and stay engaged with those projects throughout the year. Working together, we can usher in a new era in which volunteering and more service is a way of life for all Americans. Deriving strength from tragedy, we can write the next great chapter in our Nation's history and ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the promise of America.
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, 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, 2009, 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 as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred 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 other 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 tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
6 comments:
O'Hare Disbarred for "Evil Intent" Activity
The scariest thing about watching the replay of 911 on MSNBC is hearing hte words "President Bush" and remembering when he was in charge.
Bernie it is hard for me to accept the rhetorical evil that is exhibited in these comments. I realize this evil exists but to see it constantly even when you are making an honorable effort to show good.
I love my country and, yes, the people with all there faults. It is just that I am sick and tired of the anti-Bush comments and the disbarrment comments. These people should honestly get a life. Let's talk about ACORN and SEIU for a while. And, maybe Bernie, you can get a stimulus grant so we can visit New Oleans and check them out.
Bob Romancheck
Hey 11:23, are you just shocked and appa;;ed there is gambling in this establishment.
I don't see a problem with a bike race. We should remember the awful events of 9-11 but I see no reason we can't have a bike race. New York City was most effected on that day 8 years ago. They still let the Mets play the Phillies. I would have liked to see Allentown do more in the way of memorials etc. but they can have a bike race too. To me the real questions which should be asked on September 11th are;
Are we doing enough to prevent future attacks?
Can more be done to take care of the first responders who are suffering health problems following their response that day?
Do our first responders have the training and tools to deal with a future attack?
In all the 9-11 coverage I watched I did not see any stories on those matters. I did see that the USCG did not take a day off from training for future events. Kudos to them (disclaimer, I am a proud former Coast Guardsman)
Most people think I'm a tad too harsh on this point.
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