On this first observance of Patriot Day, we remember and honor those who perished in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We will not forget the events of that terrible morning nor will we forget how Americans responded in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in the skies over Pennsylvania -- with heroism and selflessness; with compassion and courage; and with prayer and hope. We will always remember our collective obligation to ensure that justice is done, that freedom prevails, and that the principles upon which our Nation was founded endure.

Inspired by the heroic sacrifices of our firefighters, rescue and law enforcement personnel, military service members, and other citizens, our Nation found unity, focus, and strength. We found healing in the national outpouring of compassion for those lost, as tens of millions of Americans participated in moments of silence, candlelight vigils, and religious services. From the tragedy of September 11 emerged a stronger Nation, renewed by a spirit of national pride and a true love of country.

We are a people dedicated to the triumph of freedom and democracy over evil and tyranny. The heroic stories of the first responders who gave their all to save others strengthened our resolve. And our Armed Forces have pursued the war against terrorism in Afghanistan and else-where with valor and skill. Together with our coalition partners, they have achieved success.

Americans also have fought back against terror by choosing to overcome evil with good. By loving their neighbors as they would like to be loved, countless citizens have answered the call to help others. They have contributed to relief efforts, improved homeland security in their communities, and volunteered their time to aid those in need. This spirit of service continues to grow as thousands have joined the newly established USA Freedom Corps, committing themselves to changing America one heart at a time through the momentum of millions of acts of decency and kindness.

Those whom we lost last September 11 will forever hold a cherished place in our hearts and in the history of our Nation. As we mark the first anniversary of that tragic day, we remember their sacrifice; and we commit ourselves to honoring their memory by pursuing peace and justice in the world and security at home. By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has authorized and requested the President to designate September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2002, as Patriot Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services and candlelight vigils. I also call upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. Further, I encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time, or another appropriate commemorative time, to honor the innocent victims who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

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Timidity thus far has derailed the election for Attorney General Jim Ryan. While it is an open question as to whether he could have superseded a federal investigation of Gov. Ryan, there is no doubt that his excessive caution and listlessness on the campaign trail have forfeited much of his natural claim to the governorship. If he wins, destiny will have to sweep him up by the scuff of the neck and push him over the finish line. Only a monumental Blagojevich blunder can tip the odds.

Bullheadedness by Patrick O'Malley, Jim Ryan's opponent in the primary election, will in turn prevent the Palos Park state senator from benefitting from a Jim Ryan defeat. O'Malley brilliantly became the conservative leader of Illinois in the primary, but he forfeited it by refusing to endorse Ryan. If O'Malley had endorsed Ryan, he would live to fight--and lead--another day. But now if Jim Ryan wins or loses, O'Malley will be on the sidelines. Some of his followers who vote Libertarian, hoping to punish Ryan, will come straggling back to the GOP if they hope to affect the state's future, because the Libertarian Party runs to run, not to govern.

A great deal of history supports the conclusion that only good losers fare well after a rival's defeat. Barry Goldwater sought the 1960 nomination but campaigned for Richard Nixon. Nixon campaigned for Goldwater in 1964; his reward was a unified base and victory in 1968. After losing a close run to Gerald Ford in 1976, Ronald Reagan campaigned for the president and won with a united party in 1980. This is the lesson O'Malley has not learned.

This leaves Jim Ryan crippled as he goes into the general election. A defeat means that the party leadership will belong to Peter Fitzgerald: the young man who, whether one agrees with him or not, brings a shining integrity and conviction in this cynical age. Fitzgerald not only challenged George Ryan corruption early while others hung back, but he has named outstanding prosecutors to the federal court. He spared the Lincoln Museum in Springfield from the grasping patronage hustlers. He risks re-election by fighting a federal power grab that would sanctify a bargain over O'Hare Airport between the two pals: Richard Daley and George Ryan.

And Fitzgerald has kept the state Republican chairmanship from falling into the hands of fixers by supporting the impeccably clean and superbly well-spoken Gary MacDougal. Fitzgerald has done this by not only keeping his conservative base but also adding to it those who, even if they disagree with him, have no doubts as to his honesty and perspicacity.

Newspaper columnists and Democratic strategists are ganging up on Fitzgerald, mobilizing candidates against him in 2004 so as to make Richard Daley the crowned boss of Illinois.

It is intriguing that those who decry Fitzgerald for allegedly ''buying'' his Senate seat with his wealth are saluting liberal Blair Hull for his willingness to plunk down millions to build out of advertising whole cloth a public reputation that thus far does not exist.

Odds are that after 2002, Fitzgerald will be seen as the ''target for tonight'' by the resurgent Democrats. He will be in total command of his party by then, and the battle for his Senate seat will be overshadowed in the nation only by the presidential struggle.

It reminds one engrossed in history of the year 1950, when all of liberaldom went to war in Ohio to deny Sen. Robert A. Taft re-election. Like Fitzgerald, Taft was a man of overwhelming courage and insight. Taft survived a challenge that year to become his party's early favorite for the presidency.

A Fitzgerald victory in 2004 will give him a wide berth for national office in 2008, when his party will be looking for a person with conservative moorings but a populist bent--in short, a Theodore Roosevelt image that can propel the Inverness lawmaker to victory.

"Dick Durbin has consistently voted in favor of requiring government employees to submit to polygraph examinations," said Durkin. "It is only when he is asked to submit to one that they're suddenly unreliable."

Durkin cited several votes over Durbin's career that seem to refute his claim that he believes the tests are not a reliable means to gather information during an investigation.

"Vote after vote, Mr. Durbin has supported the validity of polygraphs for people trusted with the same information he receives on the committee," said Durkin. "He even voted against an amendment that would require an ongoing evaluation of the validity for polygraphs for public employees.

If Durbin continues to refuse to fully cooperate with the F.B.I. investigation, Durkin has requested that the Senator resign his position on the committee.

"Dick Durbin believes he's better than the people who serve in the military, intelligence and energy department," said Durkin. "Dick Durbin refuses to hold himself to the same standard he requires of others in government. It is time for the people of Illinois to send him a message: Senator you are not above the law.”

" NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Friday, September 6, through Sunday, September 8, 2002, as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance. I ask that the people of the United States and places of worship mark these National Days of Prayer and Remembrance with memorial services, the ringing of bells, and evening candlelight remembrance vigils. I invite the people of the world to share in these Days of Prayer and Remembrance."

==>GEORGE W. BUSH,