Patriot Day 2020

[We must never forget the losses of our citizens and our nation on 9/11/2001. It was a defining attack on America in our generation. By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107–89), Congress designated September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day.” Here are words of remembrance by President Donald J. Trump.]

“On Patriot Day, we solemnly remember the nearly 3,000 people who perished on September 11, 2001. With gratitude, we honor the brave first responders, resolute members of our military, and ordinary Americans who showed extraordinary courage to save others on that fateful day. We will always be grateful for the heroic men and women of our Armed Forces who fought in defense of our country in the aftermath of the largest terrorist attack on American soil, and we will never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our liberty and freedom.

“Many Americans vividly recall the precise moment when terrorists killed our fellow Americans at the World Trade Center in New York City; at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia; and on a quiet field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. A beautiful September morning was marred by stark disbelief, agonizing sorrow, and profound suffering. America’s strength, courage, and compassion, however, never wavered. First responders instantly rushed into harm’s way to save their fellow Americans from the wreckage of the attacks, the passengers and crew of United Flight 93 decisively fought back and saved countless lives at the cost of their own, and Americans from across the country provided aid, assistance, and comfort to those in need. Against the backdrop of cowardly acts of terror, America once again demonstrated to the world the unmatched strength of our resolve and the indomitable power of our character.

“Last year, I was proud to sign into law the Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act.  This bipartisan legislation, named in honor of New York first responders Officer James Zadroga, Firefighter Ray Pfeifer, and Detective Luis Alvarez, permanently reauthorized compensation for victims and their families, first responders, and those on the front lines of rescue and recovery operations at Ground Zero. Through this legislation, our nation is fulfilling its sacred duty to those who risked their lives for their fellow Americans on that infamous September day 19 years ago.

“Our prayers will continue for the survivors who still bear physical and emotional wounds, and for the families who lost loved ones. We also pray for the members of our Armed Forces who risk their lives in service to our country and for the first responders who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of others. Today, let us remember that our Union — forged and strengthened through adversity — will never be broken and that the immeasurable sacrifices of our patriots will never be forgotten.”

“If I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve me from the anger of my foes; You extend Your hand, and Your right hand saves me.” (Psalm 138:7; BSB)

Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:

  • Thank the Lord for saving our nation on 9/11/2001.
  • Pray for the families of the many brave first responders and private citizens who gave their lives saving others on that day.
  • Pray for the family members whose loved ones never came home.
  • Intercede for the wounded. Many could not work again due to their physical losses or PTSD. Pray that all of their needs are met in Christ Jesus.
  • Gather your family and watch the ceremony that will be held at Ground Zero. Or you can watch one of the many documentaries that have been made so that this history is not lost.
  • Ask the Lord to preserve America from another 9/11-style attack on our soil.

A prayer you can pray:

Father, we have come to the 19th anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2001. For many of us, the day is burned in our memories. It is the kind of day where everyone remembers where they were. We cannot comprehend the horrors that those at the sites of the attacks lived through. Our prayers come easily for them. Lord, so many were lost. The numbers still seem staggering. We know the numbers could have been so much worse, but for Your guidance and intervention. Nevertheless, every life lost was a national tragedy. Our foes won a battle that day. We pray there would never again be a repeat of those circumstances.

We intercede today for the families of those who gave their lives to save others. Some were private citizens whose nature it was to be helpful. Eyewitnesses told us how each of them put thoughts of themselves aside to save others. May thoughts of their bravery comfort their loved ones again today. We pray for the families of the first responders. They died doing what they chose to do for a living. God we are so thankful for their lives of sacrifice. May their loved ones be so proud of them as they remember them with honor today. We remember them, also. We will pray and we will watch the ceremonies or documentaries and we will not let them be forgotten. Heal any broken bodies and minds completely. Provide for them all the days of their lives. Lord, be good to them on our behalf. We are a grateful nation, and we pray for all who need You today in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today’s decree:

We look to God to preserve us from every attack of the enemy – foreign and domestic.