Expressing the sense of Congress that it is appropriate to annually observe Patriot Day, September 11, with voluntary acts of service and compassion.

        [Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 473 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]

H.Con.Res.473
Agreed to October 10, 2004

One Hundred Eighth Congress

of the

United States of America

AT THE SECOND SESSION

Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
the twentieth day of January, two thousand and four

Concurrent Resolution

Whereas, across the Nation and around the world, people of all ages and
walks of life collectively witnessed an event of immense tragedy on
September 11, 2001;

Whereas the events of that day instantly transformed many lives, some
through personal loss, and many others through an unfamiliar sense of
individual and national vulnerability;

Whereas an unprecedented, historic bonding of Americans arose from the
collective shock, unifying the Nation in a sustained outpouring of
national spirit, pride, selflessness, generosity, courage, and
service;

Whereas, on that day and the immediate days that followed, many brave
people heroically, tirelessly, and courageously participated in an
extraordinarily difficult and dangerous rescue and recovery effort,
in many cases voluntarily putting their own well being at risk;

Whereas September 11 will never and should never be just another day in
the hearts and minds of all Americans;

Whereas the creation of memorials and monuments honoring the lives lost
on September 11, as well as the efforts of those who participated in
rescue, recovery, and voluntary service efforts, are necessary,
proper, and fitting, but alone cannot fully capture the Nation's
desire to pay tribute in a meaningful way;

Whereas it is fitting and essential to establish a lasting, meaningful,
and positive legacy of service for future generations as a tribute to
those heroes of September 11;

Whereas many citizens wish to memorialize September 11 by engaging in
personal and individual acts of community service or other giving
activities as part of a national day of recognition and tribute; and

Whereas to lose this opportunity to bring people together for such an
important endeavor would be a tragedy unto itself: Now, therefore, be
it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
That--
(1) it is the sense of Congress that it is appropriate to
annually observe Patriot Day, September 11, with voluntary acts of
service and compassion in honor of the lives lost on that day and
in the spirit of selflessness and unity demonstrated by those who
participated in the rescue, recovery, and voluntary service
activities that day; and
(2) Congress urges the President to issue a proclamation
calling upon the people of the United States to annually observe
Patriot Day, September 11, with appropriate and personal
expressions of voluntary service, charity, and compassion toward
others.
Attest:

Clerk of the House of Representatives.

Attest:

Secretary of the Senate.