Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, 2012
No matter what your religion or political affiliation is, today is a day we remember and we respect. Eleven years ago we experienced a devastating terrorist attack and many, many people lost their lives. I am proud that my country is recognizing today…and I’m thankful for our Military Men and Women who continue to keep us guarded…
Here is a copy of today’s proclamation for us all to fly our flags at half-staff:
Presidential Proclamation — Patriot Day and National Day of Service and
Remembrance, 2012
PATRIOT DAY AND NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE, 2012
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
On September 11, 2001, a bright autumn day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history. Thousands of innocent men, women, and children perished when mighty towers collapsed in the heart of New York City and wreckage burned in Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon. They were family and friends, service members and first responders — and the tragedy of their loss left pain that will never fade and scars our country will never forget.
More than a decade later, the world we live in is forever changed. But as we mark the anniversary of September 11, we remember what remains the same: our character as a Nation, our faith in one another, and our legacy as a country strengthened by service and selflessness. In the spirit that moved rescue workers and firefighters to charge into darkness and danger that September morning, we see the same sense of moral responsibility that drove countless Americans to give of themselves in the months that followed. We offered our neighbors a hand and lined up to give blood. Many helped our Nation rebuild and recover long after the dust had settled, donating and volunteering and helping survivors who had borne so much. We were united, and the outpouring of generosity reminded us that, through challenges that have spanned from acts of terrorism to natural disasters, we go forward together as one people.
Today, as we remember the victims, their families, and the heroes who stood up during one of our country’s darkest moments, I invite all Americans to reclaim that abiding spirit of compassion by serving their communities in the days and weeks ahead. From volunteering with a faith-based organization, to collecting food and clothing for those in need, to preparing care packages for our men and women in uniform, there are many ways to bring service into our everyday lives — and each of us can do something. To get involved and find a local service opportunity, visit www.Serve.gov, or www.Servir.gov for Spanish speakers.
Even the simplest act of kindness can be a way to honor those we have lost, and to help build stronger communities and a more resilient Nation. By joining together on this solemn anniversary, let us show that America’s sense of common purpose need not be a fleeting moment, but a lasting virtue — not just on one day, but every day.
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day,” and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized “National Day of Service and Remembrance.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2012, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. I call upon all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. I invite the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and interested organizations and individuals to join in this observance. I call upon the people of the United States to participate in community service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.
BARACK OBAMA
People come into your life…for a REASON!
(Reposted from earlier to serve as a reminder that people are important no matter how long you’ve known them)
During a recent four hour flight I was lucky enough to be seated next to a very impressive lady. She and I apparently have a lot in common and talked the entire way. We quickly discovered that our lives, although different in the paths chosen, parallel each other. We are four years apart in age, grew up across the nation from each other, and as I was choosing marriage and children after high school, she chose a career with the military. I would proudly stand beside her on a poster for women’s rights.
Our discussions led me to think about the paths women have opposed to men. In the last ten years I have heard of “house husbands”, but never once have I heard of a man choosing to get married and have kids over a career. It’s just the reality of how the roles are changing and there will come a time (if it’s not here already) when it will not be an anomaly for men to have to choose. Granted…we obviously cannot choose who will actually carry and birth those kiddos, but wouldn’t that be awesome?!!
The progress of women in the workforce has come a long way (…baby?!). In fact, my new friend told me when she entered the military; the only female role models that paved her way had not been able to achieve a rank higher than an E-5 (Sergeant). This is not any indication that they did a bad job; it’s just that females weren’t yet prevalent in the military field. I know…it sounds like we are discussing the 1950’s, but we’re actually talking late 1980′s, early 1990′s! As proud as I am of my new friend, you will be too…she’s a very successful E-9 (Sergeant Major!).
She and I are both in career fields that are male dominated, but will readily admit that is how we prefer it. Our personality types are not for the girly-girl atmospheres, which is how we have gotten to this point in our lives. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been called “strong-willed”, “strong-minded”, “type A personality”, etc. And although I haven’t heard of men being called these names, I’ve come to the opinion that it is a compliment and I’ll gladly accept those terms. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the girly girl atmospheres, we just realized a long time ago it is not a good fit for us.
So, as I was working my way up from waitressing, trying doggedly to juggle family life, college, and gain a career, she was juggling soldiers, deployments, and military warfare. Now we’re both at a point where we can enjoy life for what it is….take a big deep breath and watch those around us who may be either beginning or in the middle of the road we just carved…dabble in a hobby or two…take vacations…and hey, while we’re at it…meet new friends!
People come into your life for a reason and I’m a firm believer that it is up to each and every one of us to capitalize from the visit. My new friend and I are in similar careers in that we work with the military. As I develop my career, I know I can turn to her for advice. As she enters the civilian workforce or maybe chooses to start a family, she knows she can turn to me for advice. We were placed on that plane, seated side by side, for a reason. I’m very grateful. Wonder how many other opportunities I’ve missed like this because I chose to put in my earphones and read during a flight instead of finding out who was next to me?
Battling Bare…Awareness for PTSD
(HELP ME SPREAD THE WORD – PLEASE RE-BLOG, TWEET, FACEBOOK, AND STUMBLEUPON)
What would you do to battle post-traumatic stress disorder? What would you do for your spouse if they were struggling with PTSD? Unfortunately, this disorder is more abundant than ever with the recent war on terrorism, but in my opinion, we don’t pay enough attention. Until it’s too late…
My Dad sent me this article on “Battling Bare – Would You Strip for PTSD Awareness” and although I’m not sure how this group started and why it is presented the way it is, I do find it to be beautiful art!!
All I can say ladies, is I praise your efforts.
Here’s an excerpt from the article on Spouse Buzz:
“The purpose is to create an outlet for wives that are at their wits end trying to help their husbands heal…women who feel all alone in their struggle. Let us unite to raise awareness, battle back for healing, create hope and take away the feeling of being alone.”
The poem women are painting on their backs and posting pictures on social sites, like Facebook, is:
“Broken by battle,
Wounded by war,
I love you forever,
To you this I swore:
I will quiet your silent screams,
Help heal your shattered soul
Until once again, my love, you are whole.’
Here are a couple photos:
(photo credit: spousebuzz.com)
(photo credit: spousebuzz.com)
And here is the awesome video:
I’m honored to help spread the word. Women – you are amazing and beautiful. DON’T STOP until all of our soldiers are “whole” once again!!!!!!!!!
