Three days of remembrance
They begin today. President Bush has declared these days heading into the fifth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attack as a time prayer and remembrance of the victims and their families. And to honor everyone who helped.
During these National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, we honor the heroism of the police officers, firefighters, rescue personnel, members of the military, and private citizens who responded selflessly in the face of terror. We also honor the courage and spirit of the mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and husbands and wives who continue to grieve for their irreplaceable loss.
As we pray for the families of the victims and reflect upon that defining moment in our history, we are inspired by the knowledge that from the pain and sorrow of that September morning rose a Nation united by our love for freedom. We remember that we are a people determined to defend our way of life and to care for our neighbors in need. The scenes of distress and devastation we witnessed in the heart of New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania were overcome by sacrifice, bravery, and compassion.
Remember how united the nation was after that attack? There were no partisan politics. Everyone was talking about prayer. Everyone seemed to be praying. Media, politicians, everyone came together. We’ve drifted far from that. It’s time to gather ’round again and talk about who we are and what we stand for, and to pray together.
We are grateful for the service and sacrifice of the men and women of our Armed Forces who are advancing liberty and protecting our country, and we pray for their safety. We ask that God continue to comfort the families of those who have lost their lives or who have been injured while defending our freedom. We will succeed in this struggle against evil, and the legacy of peace we leave behind will be the greatest memorial to the victims of September 11, 2001, and all those who have paid the ultimate price while wearing our Nation’s uniform.
On these Days of Prayer and Remembrance, we mourn with those who still mourn, and find comfort through faith. We give thanks to the Almighty for our liberty, and we pray for His blessing on all those who were lost and for strength in the work ahead. May God continue to watch over the United States of America, and may His will guide us in the days to come.
