Proclamation 9491-Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, 2016
Issued 2016-09-09 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation on September 9, 2016, to formally designate September 11, 2016, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. The proclamation commemorates the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and honors those who responded with acts of service—including first responders who charged into danger, passengers who fought back, and citizens who volunteered to help survivors. It also recognizes those who have sacrificed their lives for the country in the years since the attacks.
This proclamation affects all Americans by inviting them to observe the day through compassionate and selfless acts of service in their communities. It specifically directs all U.S. government departments, agencies, and offices to display the American flag at half-staff on September 11 in honor of those who died. The proclamation also invites state governors and territories to participate in the observance.
This is a ceremonial proclamation that carries forward designations already established by Congress—Patriot Day was designated by law in 2001, and the National Day of Service and Remembrance was requested by Congress in 2009. The proclamation does not create new laws or impose legal obligations on citizens; it is a formal presidential statement expressing national remembrance and encouraging voluntary community service.
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Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9491-Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to patriot. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Proclamation 9491—Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, 2016 September 9, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Fifteen years ago, nearly 3,000 innocent lives—men, women, and children who had been going about their normal routines—were taken from us, depriving families and loved ones of a lifetime of precious moments. But the acts of terror of September 11, 2001, sought to do more than hurt our people and bring down buildings: They sought to break our spirit and destroy the enduring values that unite us as Americans. In the years that followed, our capacity to love and to hope has guided us forward as we worked to rebuild, more sound and resilient than ever before. With the hearts of those we lost held faithfully in our memories, we reaffirm the unwavering optimism and everlasting strength that brought us together in our darkest hour, and we resolve to give of ourselves in service to others in that same spirit. The pain inflicted on our Nation on September 11 was felt by people of every race, background, and faith. Though many young Americans have grown up without knowing firsthand the horrors of that day, their lives have been shaped by it. They hear of the