Text 3164, 79 rader
Skriven 2006-08-25 23:31:16 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0608255) for Fri, 2006 Aug 25
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National Day of Remembrance of Hurricane Katrina, 2006
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 25, 2006

National Day of Remembrance of Hurricane Katrina, 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America


˙˙˙˙˙ In Focus: Hurricane Katrina

One year ago, a vast coastline of towns and communities was virtually
destroyed; one of America's great cities was submerged; and many lives were
lost in one of the worst natural disasters in our Nation's history. On this
National Day of Remembrance of Hurricane Katrina, we honor those who did
not survive the fury of the storm and those who continue to put their lives
back together in its aftermath. We also remember the heroism of ordinary
citizens who touched our hearts with their bravery and compassion and moved
our whole Nation to action.

Hurricane Katrina brought many days of struggle and sorrow; yet, we also
witnessed extraordinary acts of courage and kindness. Rescue workers, other
first responders, and concerned citizens from around the country risked
their lives to save others and performed heroically under the most
difficult of circumstances. Many were victims themselves, acting on a sense
of duty greater than their own suffering. Men, women, and children across
America rallied to help their neighbors in desperate need, providing food,
water, shelter, and hope to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Those days
tested our Nation, and they revealed a resilience more powerful than any
storm.

Millions of lives were changed in a day by that cruel and destructive
storm. America accepted the challenge to restore broken communities and
disrupted lives not as a burden, but as our responsibility to help our
fellow citizens. Victims and volunteers continue to demonstrate a spirit
that cannot be broken a core of strength that survives all hurt, a faith in
God that no storm can take away, and an unyielding determination to clear
the wreckage and build anew.

In the past year, Federal, State, and local governments have worked to
enhance our Nation's ability to prepare for and respond to natural
disasters. The Federal Government has conducted an extensive review of
preparedness and response efforts, and actions are being taken at every
level to improve communications and coordination and strengthen emergency
response capabilities. The American people can know that our government is
working hard to be prepared to protect life and property should we face
another such challenge.

In the life of our Nation, we have often been reminded that nature is an
awesome force, and that all life is fragile. However, Americans have always
summoned the will and compassion to persevere and rebuild. Guided by our
enduring American spirit, we know that a bright new dawn will rise over the
great city of New Orleans, and the entire Gulf Coast region will reemerge
stronger and more vibrant than ever.

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 August 29, 2006, as a
National Day of Remembrance of Hurricane Katrina. I call upon State and
local governments, places of worship, and all Americans to mark this day
with services and appropriate observances. I also encourage all Americans
to remember and support the continued effort to rebuild our Nation's great
Gulf Coast.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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