Patriot Day & National Day of Service and Remembrance

WHEREAS, on September 11, 2001, the peace and security of our nation was shattered by terrorist attacks that killed thousands of innocent and brave people at the World Trade Center Towers in New York City, at the United States Pentagon and in the fields of Shanksville, Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, the objective of the terrorists on 9/11 was to strike a powerful blow to the hearts of all Americans and to tear the fabric of our nation; but instead, there emerged from the ashes of that tragedy a remarkable spirit of unity, compassion and determination that will never be forgotten, just as we will never forget those who were lost and injured on that day, and those who rose to service during the rescue and recovery effort and in defense of our nation; and

WHEREAS, by a joint resolution in December of 2001, the U.S. Congress designated September 11 of each year as Patriot Day, and on April 21, 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which includes language to officially establish September 11 as an annually recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance; and

WHEREAS, this enduring and compassionate legacy truly honors the 9/11 victims and their families, the first responders and rescue and recovery workers, the servicemen and women who defend our freedom and safety and the many volunteers who contributed their efforts in the immediate aftermath of 9/11; and

WHEREAS, on Patriot Day & 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:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2013, as

Patriot Day & National Day of Service and Remembrance

in the state of Alabama, and I urge my fellow citizens to contribute their time and energy in assisting others through community service on this day and throughout the year to honor those who died on September 11, 2001.