Posted on 09/08/2008 2:19:41 PM PDT by mdittmar
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
September 11, 2001, was etched into America's memory when 19 terrorists attacked us with barbarity unequaled in our history. On Patriot Day, we cherish the memory of the thousands of innocent victims lost, extend our thoughts and prayers to their families, and honor the heroic men and women who risked and sacrificed their lives so others might survive.
Since 9/11, we have recognized the threat posed by terrorists to the safety of the American people and worked to protect our homeland by fighting terrorists abroad. We are confronting terrorism by advancing freedom, liberty, and prosperity as an alternative to the ideologies of hatred and repression. Our Nation pays tribute to our courageous men and women in uniform serving around the world and the devoted members of our law enforcement, public safety, and intelligence communities at home who work night and day to protect us from harm and preserve the freedom of this great Nation.
Seven years ago, ordinary citizens rose to the challenge, united in prayer, and responded with extraordinary acts of courage, with some giving their lives for the country they loved. On Patriot Day, we remember all those who were taken from us in an instant and seek their lasting memorial in a safer and more hopeful world. We must not allow our resolve to be weakened by the passage of time. We will meet the test that history has given us and continue to fight to rid the world of terrorism and promote liberty around the globe.
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2008, as Patriot Day. I call upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. I also call upon the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and remembrance services, to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent Americans and people from around the world who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
GEORGE W. BUSH
From: karl@....net
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2001 11:11 AM
To: rl...@.......com
Subject: Terrorism
Dad-
I'm typing this at school during lunch. I went through the webmail backdoor, because the school isp blocks most communication sites. If you don't already know, a bunch of planes, passengers and all, were hijacked and made kamikaze runs. First one plowed into the World Trade Center, causing one tower to collapse. A second plane, looked like a 737 or something slammed into the second one shortly thereafter. A little after 1030 we got to a classroom that was picking up the news, and right after that we saw the second tower go. Titus pulled the cable, doesn't want the school panicking, but word is moving faaaaast. Also, a commuter plane hit teh pentagon, all key government officials are being evacuated, bush is on his way home. Unconfirmed reports state that a car bomb went off outside the state department. FAA has grounded everything and fighters can be seen scrambling. A few hijacked planes are still missing, another jet crashed earlier in the day a short distance from the airport, but no one is sure whether or not its related. 1 palestinian group has so far claimed responsibility, but they all try to be proud and stupid. The real perpetrators would know that once the US finds out, they would be incinerated into the stone age. This is an amazingly well coordinated attack, focusing on the major symbols of the free world, all within 1 hour. All the history teachers have studied and have known that there is gap in recent years that should be filled by a war, not just a little gulf war. Even I knew it was coming, but I never expected such a violent and unprecedented attack. This could easily erupt into a holy war if there are enough zealots in palestine and elsewhere, and could cause a huge conflict that could spell the end of the muslim faith. I hope it doesn't get that global, but you can be sure the world will not let this one go unpunished. This is without a doubt the biggest, most vicious act of terrorism (if not an act of war) in modern times, if not the history of mankind. Looks like Bush and the military will be getting those funds to finish research on all those new weapons and fighters scheduled for the next 8 years. Well, I'll see what's going on when i get home, most of the news sites here are normally blocked anyway by the school isp. Just let you know that we heard it too. Now that I'm done, there could have been another attempt at something, although national security forces probably would've intercepted. Nonetheless, the nation has been really jarred, and while I fear what's going to come, most of it is channeled into anger in knowing that something will happen. Take care, and buy more ammo.
-Karl
It is hard to comprehend what impact that day had on those who subsequently joined and served.
Oh my. Your son’s email is moving beyond words. Such sacrifice. We, a grateful nation mourns the loss of such a magnifican young man. I participated in the Freedom Walk yesterday at the Pentagon and sent another care package to my USMC brother in Fallujah. Please know America loves your son and your family. God bless you all.
Bump
A Hokie Mom? I’m a Tech grad - Horticulture, believe it or not. I was just out there a couple weeks ago, trying to sell them some software.
I took Karl to check out the Engineering department at Tech, back in the day. Then made the mistake of showing him the architecture and industrial design studio. The little putz applied for that, somewhat late in the game, and it’s a tiny department. He was wait-listed, so he opted for VCU. Managed to get a 4 year tuition scholarship without even asking for it. Not sure how he got stuck in Iraq. (Oh yeah, I recall now - he joined the Marine Reserves :))
Semper Fidelis!
Not only is this moving, but very well written. I felt the emotion build as I read along almost like being there, he described things so well. And his viewpoint was amazing, also. He is in Iraq now? Bless his heart for the blessings he is giving us.
I am soo sorry, I just read your tag line. Oh my, I am embarassed. Semper Fi to you for you and your son’s sacrifices! I know 9/11 does, indeed, have special meanings for you.
Hey, don’t be sorry. We all share the loss, but we did get a chance to know him and he still touches the lives of many people. That is more than we can say for most of us.
Karl did have a way with words. It was a talent of his. I was always proud of the way he could express himself, although he didn’t say a whole lot, and didn’t need to. He was sincere, and by all accounts, a true Marine. Despite all that we gave him, the latter was his accomplishment, and his alone.
.
Just for the LOVE of FREEDOM,
...they are still soldiers
http://www.ArmchairGeneral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66978
.
.
NEVER FORGET
.
The Man who predicted 9/11 =
9/11 Lifesaver RICK RESCORLA, r.i.p.
http://www.RickRescorla.com/The%20Statue.htm
http://www.ArmchairGeneral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24361
Just for the LOVE of FREEDOM..!!!
.
NEVER FORGET
.
.
NEVER FORGET
.
The Man who predicted 9/11 =
9/11 Lifesaver RICK RESCORLA, r.i.p.
http://www.RickRescorla.com/The%20Statue.htm
http://www.ArmchairGeneral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24361
Just for the LOVE of FREEDOM..!!!
.
NEVER FORGET
.
Thank you for sharing your son with us. Thank you for his service to the greatest Country on Earth.
Tears in my eyes. Thank you, Karl. Thank you, Pop.
Thank you to all who serve.
God Bless America.
Thanks to all of you who still care, and put forth the effort to uphold the values of this great nation. We are all in this together!
Semper Fidelis.
At that moment, on that day, and every day since, I have known only this...
Anger.
Rage.
Fist-clenching, jaw-grinding, impotent rage at the assault on my home, my city, my Country. Pacing through the house like a caged beast, screaming curses at the obscenities flashing before my eyes. Vowing vengeance and justice for my Country and my neighbors, to whichever deity was listening.
Sound good to you? Well it does to me.
Yes, I this want war. I demand it. I demand that violence be visited upon the enemies of my Nation. I just wish that I be one of the fortunate ones who get the chance to face the foes of America, and hurl them screaming into Allah’s arms.
But their ends, for all my labors, would be too quick. I want death for the enemy to be a lingering, burning, screaming, pleading death, just like the 3,000 who were murdered seven years ago.
Watching Fox news, I got to see revenge, live and in flaming color. I reveled in the vengeance from the skies, thundering clouds of flames like the anger and wrath of God.
I want war. I want vengeance. I want flaming holy justice to descend upon the enemies of freedom, be they Muslim or Marxist. I want blood in their streets. I want ash in their skies. And I want the cry to ring throughout the land, from the book of Revelations: “Lord, Your anger is upon the wicked is righteous and just!”
If that disturbs, offends, or troubles anyone, tough. Police Officers and Soldiers have 1st Amendment rights, just like YOU do. Your rights are guaranteed by people like me, here and abroad. You are free tonight, because we are ready to keep you safe to do so. Remind a Cop or a soldier today, how you feel.
No, I won’t forget or forgive, either. Join me today, and every day, in the loss and the anger. The job’s not done. This anger won’t stop, until it is finished..
I want to hunt these bastards down where ever they hide and exterminate them. No negotiations, No reasoning, No prisoners. Just dead. Years from now, I want their children’s children’s children’s children to cower and cringe in fear whenever they hear the sounds of jet engines overhead because their legends tell of fire from the sky.
I want them to hide in dark caves and holes in the earth, shivering with terror whenever they hear the roar of diesel engines because the tales of their ancestors talk about metal monsters crawling over the earth, spitting death and destruction.
I want their mothers to be able to admonish them with “If you don’t behave, the Pale Destroyers from America, will come for you”. and that will be enough to reduce them to quivering obedience.
I want the annihilation to be so complete that their mythology will tell them of the day of judgment when the stern God from across the sea and the powerful Americans .. destroyed their forefathers’ wickedness.”
NEVER FORGET... NEVER FORGIVE!!!!!!!
My flag is flying outside my house, and I’ll be wearing my flag tie to work today. Wonder how many clueless comments I’ll get today, or if my liberal manager will make some smarta$$ remark. (She’s actually a good boss, and we regularly spar on politics. I know when I’m getting to her as she say, “No more politics talk.” LOL! Such thin skins these libs have.)
“Patriot” Day? WTF? That’s a name that ought to be associated with an occasion of triumph, not a solemn remembrance.
Thank God for you and your son! Thank you for your sacrifice. Karl’s death was NOT in vain. He and his fellow soldiers were/are instrumental in not only keeping us from being attacked, but assisting in the birth of a free nation to a people who were formally not free. Blessings to you.
I’ve read it before....but it still moves me to tears.
Then I learn all I need to know about Karl with the “Take care, and buy more ammo” :)
Hugs to you my friend.
He expressed himself very well.
Although I never had the honor of meeting him, I love him as a fellow American and he has my heartfelt gratitude and respect.
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