U.S. President Calls for 9/11 'Weekend of Prayer'

"America remains inspired by the countless acts of kindness and sacrifice we saw that day."

WASHINGTON, DC (CNA) - President George W. Bush has issued a proclamation declaring Friday, September 5 through Sunday, September 7, 2008 to be National Days of Prayer and Remembrance.

In the August 28 proclamation, Bush said during these 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," he continued, adding "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," President Bush wrote. "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."

Saying the nation also prays for the "safety and success" of the members of the Armed Forces "now serving freedom's cause," Bush writes, "We seek God's grace on their families, and commit to Heaven's care those brave men and women He has called home."

"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," he concluded.

Bush asked the people and places of worship in the United States to mark the days of Prayer and Remembrance with "memorial services, the ringing of bells, and evening candlelight remembrance vigils."

---

Founded in continued response to Pope John Paul II’s call for a “New Evangelization,” the Catholic News Agency (CNA) has been, since 2004, one of the fastest growing Catholic news providers to the English speaking world.