National Day of Prayer for the Victims of Hurricane Harvey and for Our National Response and Recovery Efforts, 42439-42440 [2017-19131]

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• Executive Office of the President

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 172 (Thursday, September 7, 2017)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 42439-42440]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-19131]



[[Page 42437]]

Vol. 82

Thursday,

No. 172

September 7, 2017

Part II





The President





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Proclamation 9634--National Day of Prayer for the Victims of Hurricane 
Harvey and for Our National Response and Recovery Efforts


                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 82 , No. 172 / Thursday, September 7, 2017 / 
Presidential Documents

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

[[Page 42439]]

                Proclamation 9634 of September 1, 2017

                
National Day of Prayer for the Victims of 
                Hurricane Harvey and for Our National Response and 
                Recovery Efforts

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Hurricane Harvey first made landfall as a Category 4 
                storm near Rockport, Texas, on the evening of August 
                25, 2017. The storm has since devastated communities in 
                both Texas and Louisiana, claiming many lives, 
                inflicting countless injuries, destroying or damaging 
                tens of thousands of homes, and causing billions of 
                dollars in damage. The entire Nation grieves with Texas 
                and Louisiana. We are deeply grateful for those 
                performing acts of service, and we pray for healing and 
                comfort for those in need.

                Americans have always come to the aid of their fellow 
                countrymen--friend helping friend, neighbor helping 
                neighbor, and stranger helping stranger--and we vow to 
                do so in response to Hurricane Harvey. From the 
                beginning of our Nation, Americans have joined together 
                in prayer during times of great need, to ask for God's 
                blessings and guidance. This tradition dates to June 
                12, 1775, when the Continental Congress proclaimed a 
                day of prayer following the Battles of Lexington and 
                Concord, and April 30, 1789, when President George 
                Washington, during the Nation's first Presidential 
                inauguration, asked Americans to pray for God's 
                protection and favor.

                When we look across Texas and Louisiana, we see the 
                American spirit of service embodied by countless men 
                and women. Brave first responders have rescued those 
                stranded in drowning cars and rising water. Families 
                have given food and shelter to those in need. Houses of 
                worship have organized efforts to clean up communities 
                and repair damaged homes. Individuals of every 
                background are striving for the same goal--to aid and 
                comfort people facing devastating losses. As Americans, 
                we know that no challenge is too great for us to 
                overcome.

                As response and recovery efforts continue, and as 
                Americans provide much needed relief to the people of 
                Texas and Louisiana, we are reminded of Scripture's 
                promise that ``God is our refuge and strength, a very 
                present help in trouble.'' Melania and I are grateful 
                to everyone devoting time, effort, and resources to the 
                ongoing response, recovery, and rebuilding efforts. We 
                invite all Americans to join us as we continue to pray 
                for those who have lost family members or friends, and 
                for those who are suffering in this time of crisis.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 
                3, 2017, as a National Day of Prayer for the Victims of 
                Hurricane Harvey and for our National Response and 
                Recovery Efforts. We give thanks for the generosity and 
                goodness of all those who have responded to the needs 
                of their fellow Americans. I urge Americans of all 
                faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to 
                offer prayers today for all those harmed by Hurricane 
                Harvey, including people who have lost family members 
                or been injured, those who have lost homes or other 
                property, and our first responders, law enforcement 
                officers, military personnel, and medical professionals 
                leading the response and recovery efforts. Each of us, 
                in our own way, may call upon our God for strength and 
                comfort during this difficult time. I call on all 
                Americans and houses of worship throughout the Nation 
                to join in one voice of prayer,

[[Page 42440]]

                as we seek to uplift one another and assist those 
                suffering from the consequences of this terrible storm.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of September, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                second.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2017-19131
Filed 9-6-17; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F7-P