Governor Pawlenty Orders U. S. and State Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Patriot Day

Press Release

GOVERNOR PAWLENTY ORDERS U.S. AND STATE FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF IN HONOR OF PATRIOT DAY

Governor Tim Pawlenty today ordered the United States and State of Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, September 11, 2007, in honor of Patriot Day.

The following is the text of the Governor's official proclamation:

Whereas: The United States has become the greatest nation on earth because the American people have experienced more freedom than anyone who has ever lived; and

Whereas: American society has succeeded in all circumstances because freedom always brings out the best in people and each generation of Americans has faced danger and challenge with courage and strength; and

Whereas: On September 11, 2001, in an attempt to destroy our spirit, unity, and way of life, terrorists attacked our citizens and symbols of American freedom, the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon; and

Whereas: More than 3,000 innocent Americans lost their lives as they were going to work, serving their country, and going about their everyday lives; and

Whereas: Hundreds of brave police officers and fire and rescue personnel inspired us all by risking their own lives to save their fellow citizens; and

Whereas: Two proud Minnesota native sons died that day: Tom Burnett, Jr. who was aboard Flight 93 and Gordy Aamoth, Jr. who was in the World Trade Center. We commemorate their lives and remember their families with our grief; and

Whereas: The events of September 11th have reminded Minnesotans and all Americans of the enormous debt of gratitude we owe to our military families, police officers, fire and rescue personnel, and other first responders; and

Whereas: We affirm that the terrorist attacks had precisely the opposite effect of what was intended and we remember how Americans have pulled together in a stirring display of patriotism to rebuild at home and fight terrorism abroad; and

Whereas: We acknowledge together that the American way of life endured September 11, and we have moved forward from that terrible day with courage and strength to better protect our citizens from terror and secure the blessings of freedom for more people of the earth; and

Whereas: The President of the United States and Congress joined together in enacting Public Law 107-89, designating September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day."

Now, Therefore, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, join President George W. Bush and do hereby proclaim Tuesday, September 11, 2007, be observed as: Patriot Day in the State of Minnesota and do hereby order all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff on state property from sunrise until sunset on September 11, 2007. Further, I encourage all Minnesotans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 7:46 a.m. Central Daylight Time, or another appropriate commemorative time. I also join President Bush in asking that the people of Minnesota and places of worship mark this day with memorial services, the ringing of the bells, and evening candlelight vigils to honor the innocent victims who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

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