OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
RICHARD A. MOCCIA
President George W. Bush proclaimed today as National Day of
Remembrance of Hurricane Katrina. Mayor Richard Moccia wishes to express his
agreement with the President that 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. Mayor Moccia urges all residents to observe a moment of silence in
memory of the victims and also remember that much work still needs to be done
in rebuilding the ravished areas.
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President George W. Bush's proclaimation |
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release August 28, 2006
NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE OF HURRICANE KATRINA, 2006
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
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
POST OFFICE BOX 5125 °125 EAST AVENUE NORWALK, CT 06856-5125
°TELEPHONE 203-854-7701 °FAX 203-854-7939
°E-MAIL rmoccia@norwalkct.org
