Proclamation 9318-National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2015
Issued 2015-09-10 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
This proclamation designates September 11-13, 2015, as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The action asks Americans to remember those who died and their families through prayer, memorial services, visiting memorials, ringing bells, candlelight vigils, and other ceremonies. The proclamation also invites people around the world to participate in this commemoration.
This ceremonial action affects all Americans by providing a formal recognition of these days of remembrance. It does not create any legal requirements or obligations for citizens to participate—it simply invites voluntary observance. The proclamation honors the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the attacks and pays tribute to first responders who risked or gave their lives.
This matters because it provides official presidential recognition for a national day of mourning and reflection on a significant tragedy in American history. Ceremonial proclamations like this have been issued by presidents since George Washington and represent a traditional executive function that requires no congressional approval. The action expresses national sentiment and brings awareness to an important cause without directing federal spending or imposing legal obligations.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9318-National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2015" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to days of prayer and remembrance. 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, 2015 Proclamation 9318—National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2015 September 10, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Fourteen years ago, the peace of a beautiful morning was broken. The events of September 11, 2001, left a permanent mark on the spirit of every American, and our Nation is forever changed. Nearly 3,000 precious lives were taken, and their loved ones were forced to face an unthinkable grief. As we pay tribute to the innocents we lost and the first responders who put themselves in harm's way—some even giving their own lives for their fellow citizens—we also recognize the families whose love abides, and we reaffirm the truth that resonates in the heart of our Nation: that we will never forget that day. Guided by a steadfast belief in the power of good over evil, people from every corner of our country came together in the aftermath of the attacks to lift each other up and restore our communities. Bound by a common sense of hope, Americans united across faiths and traditions to reject hate and work together toward a better future. In memory of those we lost, we resolved to shape a world where events like those of September 11, 2001, could never happen a