The United States will hold a nationwide day of prayer and remembrance Friday for the victims of Tuesday's terrorist attacks. President Bush is calling on all Americans to pull together after this violence, regardless of their religion.
The president and First Lady will attend a memorial service at Washington's National Cathedral at noon on Friday. A statement from the president called on every American family to honor "the memory of the thousands of victims of the brutal attacks," and comfort those who lost loved ones.
Mr. Bush said, "All our hearts have been seared by the sudden and senseless taking of innocent lives. We pray for healing and for the strength to serve and encourage one another in hope and faith."
The president asked all places of worship to mark the day with noontime memorial services, the ringing of bells, and evening candlelight remembrance vigils.
Mr. Bush encouraged employers to permit their workers time-off during the lunch hour to attend services and pray for America. He invited the people of the world who share America's grief to join in these solemn observances.
The president denounced anti-Islamic sentiments following the attack, saying the nation must stand united against terrorism and not take its anger out on Arab-Americans.