Statement of Governor Sonny Perdue Regarding Third Anniversary of September 11

Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff on All State Buildings

ATLANTA, GA - Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding the third anniversary of September 11 and signed an Executive Order to lower flags to half-staff on all state buildings from sunrise to sunset tomorrow.

"On the third anniversary of September 11, we remember the loss of life that day and the heroism shown by thousands of first responders and ordinary citizens.  As a nation we have reaffirmed our commitment to freedom, growing stronger, more determined, and more steadfast in defending our homeland, our principles, and our way of life.   

"Under the leadership of President Bush, our nation is taking the fight to the terrorists to protect our homeland and promote freedom in the world.  Brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces are serving with distinction in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the globe.  We thank them for their service and sacrifice.  We keep them and their families in our thoughts and prayers.

"The issue of homeland security is a top priority for my administration. We have organized an effective and coordinated homeland security structure to ensure that all our agencies and our citizens work together.  Through federal, state, and local cooperation, our homeland security team has been able to upgrade our equipment, training, and other resources and spread them across the state.  We are absolutely committed to doing all we can to make our communities and our families safe.

"I encourage my fellow Georgians to display the American flag at half-staff and observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. tomorrow morning to honor the innocent victims of September 11."

The following is text of the Executive Order.

Executive Order

FLAGS ON STATE BUILDINGS ORDERED LOWERED TO HALF STAFF

WHEREAS:   Three years ago, more than 3,000 innocent people lost their lives when a calm September morning was shattered by terrorists driven by hatred and destruction; and

WHEREAS:  On that day, and in its aftermath, we saw the greatness of America in the bravery of victims, in the heroism of first responders who laid down their lives to save others, in the compassion of people who stepped forward to help those they had never met, and in the generosity of millions of Americans, who enriched our country with acts of service and kindness; and

WHEREAS:  Since that day, we have seen the greatness of America further demonstrated in the courage of our brave men and women in uniform who have served and sacrificed in Afghanistan, in Iraq, and around the world to advance freedom and prevent terrorist attacks on America; and

WHEREAS:  As we remember September 11, 2001, we reaffirm the vows made in the earliest hours of our grief and anger, that America will not tire, will not falter, and will not fail in fighting for the safety and security of the American people and a world free from terrorism; and

WHEREAS:  The President of the United States and a joint resolution of Congress have designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day";

NOW, THEREFORE, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME AS GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA , IT IS HEREBY

ORDERED:  That the State of Georgia recognize September 11, 2004 as Patriot Day whereupon I join the President of the United States in calling upon all Georgians to display the American 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 to honor the innocent victims who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks on that day; and

ORDERED:   That on Patriot Day, September 11, 2004 , the flags on all state buildings throughout the State of Georgia be flown at half-staff until sunset.  

This 10th day of September, 2004.

(Signed:  Sonny Perdue)

GOVERNOR