Governor Riley Orders Flags at Half-Staff on 9-11 Anniversary

Press Release

MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley is directing flags to be flown at half-staff on state government buildings on Friday to honor those who lost their lives and gave their lives during the September 11 terrorist attacks eight years ago. Local governments and schools are also being encouraged by the Governor to fly their flags at half-staff on their buildings.

Governor Riley has also issued a proclamation declaring Friday as a Day of Prayer and Remembrance in Alabama.

"The anniversary of 9-11 is not only a time to remember; it is a time to honor the men and women who protect our country and our communities every day. It's also a time when we should be reminded of the importance of being prepared for any type of disaster or emergency," said Governor Riley.

Alabamians can find helpful emergency preparedness tips online at www.readyalabama.gov.

The state's September 11 Day of Remembrance Ceremony will be held on Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. Governor Riley is on an economic development mission in Europe, so Alabama Homeland Security Director Jim Walker and Sydney Hoffman, Director of the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, will lead the service. They will be joined by military personnel and first responders.

After the ceremony on Friday, sixth-graders attending the state's Be Ready Camp in Huntsville will practice saving lives during a mock disaster. At the camp, children act as first responders, learning first aid, search and rescue techniques, and communications during a disaster. That will put that training to the test at 6:15 p.m. when they respond to a mock plane crash.

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