National Day of Service and Remembrance for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, 2010 — Historical Half-Staff Archive

Historical notice: this observance has ended. This independent FORTISVEX resource preserves a past presidential directive; it is not a government notice.

Remembering victims and supporting survivors

Proclamation 8501 placed remembrance alongside service to people whose lives had been changed by terrorism. President Obama recalled the Oklahoma City bombing fifteen years earlier and the September 11 attacks. He also recognized victims and survivors beyond the United States, describing the effects on families, friends, and communities.

The tribute gave particular attention to people who came forward to help: first responders, medical professionals, clergy, relief organizations, local leaders, and everyday citizens. It also recognized survivors and families who supported others after their own losses. In this document, service was part of remembrance itself, not simply an additional ceremony.

The April 19 flag observance

The President called upon United States departments, agencies, and instrumentalities to display the flag at half-staff on April 19, 2010. Governors, including the Governor of Puerto Rico, and interested organizations and individuals were invited to join. The proclamation encouraged appropriate ceremonies, activities, and community service in memory of victims and survivors worldwide.

The formal date on the document is April 16. The observance took place April 19, and Federal Register publication followed April 21. The directive did not state a numerical start or end time. Its full text below preserves the specific 2010 call and the President's tribute.

Full official proclamation text

Proclamation 8501 of April 16, 2010 — National Day of Service and Remembrance for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

There is no greater evil than willful violence against innocents. On this National Day of Service and Remembrance for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, we pause to remember victims of terrorism at home and abroad, we honor the heroes who have supported them, and we redouble our efforts to build the kind of world that is worthy of their legacy.

Fifteen years ago, terrorists bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing over 160 men, women, and children, and injuring hundreds more. Even before the dust settled, heroes had emerged. First responders, medical professionals, clergy, relief organizations, local leaders, and everyday citizens stepped forward to help victims and their families. Again, when terrorists struck on September 11, 2001, and thousands of Americans—and scores of foreign nationals—perished in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Americans made a historic effort to assist all those affected. The dignity of those who were attacked— and the courage of those who came to their aid—reaffirmed the strength of our Nation, and the human spirit.

Terrorists prey on the innocent and vulnerable, and have nothing to offer except hatred and destruction. No cause justifies their actions, yet they have claimed many victims around the world. Wherever they kidnap or kill, they reveal only their own bankrupt vision, and disrupt or destroy lives. Their actions impact not only their victims, but the families, friends, and fellow citizens of those who are targeted.

Survivors of terrorism and their families, though bound at first by anguish and loss, are united by extraordinary acts of courage, love, faith, and commitment. They have risen against terrorism in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, the September 11 attacks, and other incidents of violence around the world. They are giving a voice to victims, speaking out against violent and extremist ideologies, easing the suffering of survivors, and helping them heal and hope once more.

Today, let us honor the good works of this inspiring movement that shows us that hope is more powerful than fear, and recognize the sacrifice of extraordinary citizens worldwide who have shown fortitude in the face of unspeakable tragedy.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 19, 2010, as National Day of Service and Remembrance for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism. I call upon all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half-staff on this day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of terrorism. 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 encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and acts of community service in memory of the victims and survivors of terrorism worldwide.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Official federal proclamation text from Federal Register pages 20893–20894. Page headings and line wrapping are omitted for readability; the signature is represented by the name above.

Verify the official document

Read or download the official proclamation PDF from GovInfo · Read the Federal Register record

Find related historical directives in the Presidential Half-Staff Archive.

Signature page from the official published proclamation

Select the published page to open the official PDF.

Preparing a remembrance display

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