Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Navajo Nation Leaders Proclaim October 15, 2001 as "Navajo Nation Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Terrorist Attacks on America."

Window Rock, Navajo Nation (Arizona) - On Tuesday, October 3, 2001, the Branch Chiefs of the Navajo Nation issued a Proclamation honoring the victims of the terrorist attacks on America. The Navajo Nation proclaims October 15, 2001 as "Navajo Nation Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Terrorist Attacks on America."

The Navajo Nation leadership urges Navajo citizens to continue to aid the American Red Cross with donations of blood, supplies and monetary contributions, as well as to take this day to observe the intentions of the proclamation.

[Text of Proclamation]:

THE NAVAJO NATION

Proclamation HONORING THE VICTIMS OF THE TERRORIST ATTACKS ON AMERICA OCTOBER 15, 2001

WHEREAS, the Navajo Nation continues to grieve with the families and loved ones of the victims of the tragedies that occurred in the United States on Tuesday, September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS, the Navajo Nation denounces such violent activities that would horribly disrupt the lives of American families and affect innocent lives; that would disrupt peace and harmony on our Mother Earth; and

WHEREAS, the Navajo Nation expresses enormous gratitude for the brave men and women of the many fire, safety and rescue crews who have worked and continue to work around the clock in the recovery efforts at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the crash site in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and expresses great remorse for the heroes who perished in these recovery efforts; and

WHEREAS, the Navajo Nation supports United States President George W. Bush, the United States Congress, the United States Intelligence Community, and the United States Armed Forces for responding to terrorist activities in a just, meaningful and responsible manner, and for leading the United States in healing and recovery efforts; and

WHEREAS, the Navajo Nation further acknowledges the service and bravery of those Americans who have been called to active duty in the United States Armed Forces in response and preparation for the "War on Terrorism"; and

WHEREAS, the Navajo Nation urges its citizens to continue their support of the relief efforts by contacting their local American Red Cross to donate blood and supplies, and to make financial contributions; and

WHEREAS, the Navajo Nation is encouraged and humbled by the increased extension of humanity and brotherhood among the American people and the world over; and

WHEREAS, the Navajo Nation will forever remember the lives that were lost on this tragic day, September 11, 2001. The stories of the victims have touched our lives and will always be remembered.

NOW, THEREFORE, WE, THE LEADERS OF THE NAVAJO NATION, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2001 "Navajo Nation Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Terrorist Attacks on America."

THEREFORE, we urge all Navajo Nation citizens to recognize the honor and courage of those who perished as a result of these tragic incidents through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers.

THEREFORE, we call upon the 110 Navajo Nation Chapters and other agencies to display the flag of the United States and the Navajo Nation, and to encourage participation in local activities to honor the victims and heroes of these tragic incidents.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of October, in the year of our Lord, two thousand one, here in Window Rock, Navajo Nation, Arizona.

/s/ Kelsey A. Begaye, President

/s/ Edward T. Begay, Speaker

/s/ Robert Yazzie, Chief Justice