WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 (Xinhuanet) -- US President George W. Bush on Friday proclaimed that Sept. 10, 11 and 12 as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, to mark the third anniversary of the Sept.11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

    In his proclamation, Bush asked the American people to mark the days with memorial services, the ringing of bells, and evening candlelight remembrance vigils. During this year's National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, "Americans join together to pray for those who were lost, and for their loves ones," he said.

    On the third anniversary, "we feel the warm courage of nationalunity - a unity of grief and a unity of resolve," Bush said.

    "We remember the images of fire, and the final calls of love, and the courage of rescuers who saw death and did not flee. We remember the many good lives that ended too soon. We remember the families left behind to carry a burden of sorrow," he said.

    Meanwhile, Bush proclaim Sept. 11, 2004, as Patriot Day. The Congress designated Sept. 11 of each year as "Patriot Day" in a joint resolution approved on Dec. 18, 2001.

    He called on governors and officials of local governments to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on that day, and the American people to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, to display the flag at half-staff from their homes, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the some 3,000 victims who lost their lives in the attacks. Enditem