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Bush declares September 11 'Patriot Day'

Aziz Haniffa in Washington, DC

President George W Bush has declared September 11 'Patriot Day' in honour of the nearly 3,000 people who were killed in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York, the Pentagon just outside Washington, and Pennsylvania.

"On this first observance of Patriot Day, we remember and honour those who perished in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001," Bush was quoted as saying in a White House proclamation.

"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," he said.

Bush noted, "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."

Bush said Americans "are a people dedicated to the triumph of freedom and democracy over evil and tyranny" and spoke of the heroism of "the first responders who gave their all to save others".

He lauded the US armed forces for pursuing "the war against terrorism in Afghanistan and elsewhere with valour and skill" and claimed that "together with our coalition partners, they have achieved success".

In his proclamation, the president said, "Americans also have fought back against terror by choosing to overcome evil with good."

Without mentioning any of the racial profiling, hate crimes, or other manifestations that critics have called blatant violations of civil liberties and constitutional rights, Bush said: "By loving their neighbours 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."

"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 honouring their memory by pursuing peace and justice in the world and security at home."

The president called upon US citizens to fly their flags at half-staff on the day and observe a moment's silence at 0846 EDT, the exact moment when the first hijacked plane slammed into the World Trade Centre.

Bush also called on all people to participate in commemorative ceremonies, memorial services, and candlelight vigils "to honour the innocent victims who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks".

Earlier, Bush designated September 6-8 as 'National Days of Prayer and Remembrance' and urged "all Americans to join together in cities, communities, neighbourhoods, and places of worship to honour those who were lost, to pray for those who grieve and to give thanks for god's enduring blessings on our land.

"And let us, through prayer, seek the wisdom, patience, and strength to bring those responsible for the attacks to justice and to press for a world at peace."

In his weekly radio address, Bush urged Americans to make September a month of service "and answer the call to help those in need".

"I created USA Freedom Corps, a single organization, to encourage and assist Americans in finding service opportunities both locally and around the globe; to harness and put to good use the service and idealism we saw after the attacks on September 11. In addition, I called on all Americans to enlist in the armies of compassion and dedicate at least 4,000 hours in service to their communities, our country, and to the world.'

Bush said referrals to the USA Freedom Corps had increased by more than 70 per cent, and requests to serve in the Peace Corps by over 40 per cent in the same period.

He hoped that this sense of volunteerism across the country would be inspiring, particularly to the youth. "Young people have the energy and determination to do important work," he said, "and volunteer service can teach them valuable lessons about responsibility, community, and selflessness at an early age."

On September 11, Bush and First Lady Laura Bush will start the day at a private church service in Washington. At 8.46am they, with others in the White House, will observe a moment of silence.

The First Couple will then attend a ceremony at the Pentagon, before travelling to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to lay a wreath in the field where Flight 93 crashed.

At 4.30pm Bush and the First Lady, joined by other administration, city, and state officials and world leaders, including Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee of India, will participate in a ceremony at Ground Zero and lay a wreath in memory of those who lost their lives.

At 9.01pm, Bush will address the nation in a televised speech that will be carried live from New York.

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said the President's remarks would be "a very dignified and respectful, solemn tribute to those who lost their lives in the attack on our country on September 11".

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