Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, 2021

( printed page 51261) Proclamation 10254 of September 10, 2021 Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, 2021 A Proclamation Twenty years ago, the United States endured one of the most unconscionable tragedies in our country's history. The cowardly terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and onboard United Flight 93 cut short the lives of 2,977 innocent people. These attacks tore a hole in the heart of our Nation, and the pain of this tragedy still remains. Each year on this somber date, we remember the horror and bravery shown that day, just as we remember how we came together, united in grief and in purpose. Each year, we renew our solemn vow to never forget what happened on September 11, 2001, or those who lost their lives. On Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, we honor every life that was taken too soon. We honor the first responders—firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency workers, and service members—who answered the call of duty, and the brave civilians who rushed into action to save lives that day. Their courage embodies the American spirit and resilience, and their heroism continues to inspire new generations of Americans. My mother used to say that “courage lies in every heart, and one day it will be summoned.” It was summoned and shown by those who responded to the events on 9/11. First responders, emergency workers, and civilians ran to where the devastation was the greatest, where death came in an instant but where there were survivors to be found; a determined group of heroes onboard United Flight 93 sacrificed their lives to save the lives of others—in every case, Americans faced the unimaginable with resolve and courage. Today and every day, we draw hope from the strength and selflessness of those who stepped up to serve their fellow man and our Nation on that tragic day. We also remember the patriotism and valor of our service members who pursued our attac…