This just came in from The White House. It is President Obama's National Days of Prayer and Remembrance Proclamation. Read it below and then at the bottom read President Bush's Days of Prayer and Remembrance Proclamation from 2008 so you can get a comparison. You defintely get the sense that President Obama is putting more emphasis on service where as President Bush seemed to focus more on God's intervention and using the "language of Evangelicals". It's interesting to see the different style and mindset of these two very different Presidents.
NATIONAL DAYS OF PRAYER AND REMEMBRANCE, 2009
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
They were daughters and sons, sisters and brothers,
mothers and fathers, spouses and partners, family and friends,
colleagues and strangers. They hailed from cities and towns
across our Nation and world. On September 11, 2001, thousands
of innocent women and men were taken from us, and their loss
leaves an emptiness in our hearts.
Hundreds perished as planes struck the skyline of New York
City, the structure of the Pentagon, and the grass of
Pennsylvania. In the immediate aftermath of these tragedies,
many victims died as they sought safety. Selflessly placing
themselves in danger, first responders, members of the Armed
Forces, and private citizens made the ultimate sacrifice working
to assist others. During the National Days of Prayer and
Remembrance, Americans across the country cherish the memory of
all those who passed and honor and pray for their families and
friends.
Americans also remember and pray for the safety and success
of the members of the United States Armed Forces, who work every
day to keep our Nation safe from terrorism and other threats
to our security. Military members assisted those in need on
September 11, 2001, and serve now in Iraq, Afghanistan, and
around the world. They have left the safety of home so that
our Nation might be more secure. They have endured great
sacrifice so that we might enjoy the blessings of liberty.
Our servicemembers represent the best of America, and they
deserve our deepest respect and gratitude.
The threat of terrorism has denied too many men, women,
and children their right to live in peace and security. As
the United States works to defeat terrorists and build a more
hopeful future for our children and young people across the
world, we seek humility and strength. We reflect upon the
lessons drawn from our national tragedy, seek God's guidance
and wisdom, and, never forgetting the lost, commit to working
in common cause with our friends and allies to create a safer
and brighter world for current and future generations.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in
me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby
proclaim Friday, September 4, through Sunday, September 6, as
National Days of Prayer and Remembrance. I ask that the people
of the United States, each in their own way, honor the victims
of September 11, 2001, and their families through prayer,
memorial services, the ringing of bells, and evening candlelight
remembrance vigils. I invite the people of the world to share
in this solemn commemoration.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
third 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.
BARACK OBAMA
President Bush's 2008 Proclamation is here and you can read it below:
National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2008
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
During National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, we pay special tribute
to the thousands of innocent victims who died on September 11, 2001.
Our Nation honors the brave citizens, service members, police officers, and
firefighters who heroically responded in the face of terror. On these important
days, we reflect on the terrible events of September 11, 2001, and lift
the victims and their families in our prayers.
Our Nation will never forget the individuals who lost their lives in New
York, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon. America remains inspired by the
countless acts of kindness and sacrifice we saw that day—fearless rescuers
who rushed toward danger, a beloved priest who died helping others, two
office workers who carried a disabled person 68 floors to safety.
We also pray for the safety and success of the members of our Armed
Forces now serving freedom’s cause. We seek God’s grace on their families,
and commit to Heaven’s care those brave men and women He has called
home. We ask the Almighty to watch over America and pray for His providence
and continued blessings on our country. May He always guide the
United States of America. As we defend our country against its enemies,
we pray for help in protecting the gift of freedom from those who seek
to destroy it, and we ask the Almighty to strengthen all those securing
liberty on distant shores.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Friday, September 5,
through Sunday, September 7, 2008, as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance.
I ask that the people of the United States and their places of worship
mark these National Days of Prayer and Remembrance with memorial services,
the ringing of bells, and evening candlelight remembrance vigils. I
also invite all people across the world to share in these Days of Prayer
and Remembrance.