DAYS of Service

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY
AT THE PENTAGON MEMORIAL

Arlington, Virginia
9:34 A.M. EDT

OBAMA: Let us renew the true spirit of that day. Not the human capacity for evil, but the human capacity for good. Not the desire to destroy, but the impulse to save, and to serve, and to build. On this first National Day of Service and Remembrance, we can summon once more that ordinary goodness of America -- to serve our communities, to strengthen our country, and to better our world.

Most of all, on a day when others sought to sap our confidence, let us renew our common purpose. Let us remember how we came together as one nation, as one people, as Americans, united not only in our grief, but in our resolve to stand with one another, to stand up for the country we all love.

This may be the greatest lesson of this day, the strongest rebuke to those who attacked us, the highest tribute to those taken from us -- that such sense of purpose need not be a fleeting moment. It can be a lasting virtue.

For through their own lives –- and through you, the loved ones that they left behind –- the men and women who lost their lives eight years ago today leave a legacy that still shines brightly in the darkness, and that calls on all of us to be strong and firm and united. That is our calling today and in all the Septembers still to come.

September 11, 2009 is not the FIRST National Day of Service.

Our country was founded on service. It was built on service. It has been sustained through service.

Every single day, Americans give to others -- selflessly, tirelessly, bravely, and with happy hearts. That giving defines us as Americans.

We help each other. Hasn't Obama noticed?

Obama famously railed, recounting one of the sermons of his mentor and pastor, Jeremiah Wright, "white folks' greed runs a world in need." That's how he sees it. That's his perspective.

He's missing the goodness in Americans and our commitment to service. That goodness and commitment is not something Obama has instilled in us.

Service is NOT "our calling today and in all the Septembers still to come," as Obama declares.

It's our calling every day and always has been.

What is Obama talking about?

Where has he been living?

Does he have a clue as to what has happened in America and what is happening?

Good grief.



We're about service.

The good that Americans have done in the world is incalculable.

From the Associated Press:

On his first 9/11 anniversary as president, Barack Obama urged Americans to come together in service just as they united after the terrorist attacks eight years ago.

"We can summon once more that ordinary goodness of America, to serve our communities, to strengthen our country and to better our world," Obama said at a memorial at the Pentagon.

Obama on Thursday declared the anniversary of the attacks a national day of remembrance and service. And he and first lady Michelle Obama led the way Friday, visiting a Habitat for Humanity construction site in Washington, where they pitched in by painting a living room wall.

Earlier, the Obamas participated in the anniversary rituals that have become familiar in the eight years since the attacks on New York and Washington. They began the day by observing a moment of silence on the South Lawn of the White House at precisely 8:46 a.m., the moment the first jetliner struck the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

Why didn't Obama go to Ground Zero?

As a presidential candidate, Obama marked last year's anniversary in New York at the site of the World Trade Center. This year, the commander in chief spoke at a Pentagon memorial service, and laid a wreath in honor of the 184 people who died there.

Why didn't Obama go to New York as president to mark the anniversary of 9/11?

President Bush visited Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and the field in Pennsylvania on the first anniversary of the attacks.

In his first year in office, I think Obama should have visited all three sites of the attacks as well.

If Obama can manage to go to New York for date night with Michelle, it should have been possible for him to get there for the 9/11 remembrance.
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September 11 is Patriot Day.

SUMMARY AS OF:
10/25/2001--Passed House without amendment. (There is 1 other summary)
Designates September 11 as Patriot Day. Requests the President to issue a proclamation each year regarding the observation of Patriot Day and the display of the U.S. flag at half staff in honor of individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.


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MAJOR ACTIONS: [[
10/25/2001 Introduced in House
10/25/2001 Committee on Government Reform discharged.
10/25/2001 Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 407 - 0 (Roll no. 407).
11/30/2001 Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
11/30/2001 Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
11/30/2001 Cleared for White House.
12/6/2001 Presented to President.
12/18/2001 Signed by President.
12/18/2001 Became Public Law No: 107-089 [Text, PDF]

Is Obama doing away with Patriot Day and planting his National Day of Service and Remembrance in its place?

Is Obama uncomfortable being a patriot, "One who loves, supports, and defends one's country"?