Governor Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Remembrance of September 11th

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue today ordered flags at all state buildings and grounds to fly at half-staff tomorrow until sunset in remembrance of the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

“The eighth anniversary of the attacks against America remind us of a time when our nation came together in the face of tragedy,” Governor Perdue said. “An attack meant to weaken us only served to make us stronger. The courage shown by Americans, from ground zero to every corner of our country, continues to inspire us as we vow to never forget those that lost their lives on that day.”

The following is text of the Executive Order.

Flags on State Buildings and Grounds

Ordered Lowered to Half Staff

Whereas: Eight years ago, on a beautiful September morning, the citizens of our great nation were carrying on with their daily routines not knowing of the terror that would soon grip our country; and

Whereas: Time virtually stood still as we watched in horror as planes flew into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania; and

Whereas: As the towers crashed to the ground, we truly became “One Nation, Under God”, as we prayed not only for those who perished, but also for the families, friends, and loved ones of those who were taken from us that day; and 

Whereas: It is imperative that we continue to remember in our thoughts and prayers the men and women of our armed forces who unselfishly serve our country in an effort to protect the United States of America and its citizens from future attacks; and

Whereas: To honor the memories of those who lost their lives and to memorialize this day in our nation’s history, the United States Congress on December 18, 2001, passed by joint resolution Public Law 107-89 (36 U.S.C. § 144), which designates 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 on September 11, 2009, the American Flag and the Flag of the Great State of Georgia shall be flown on all state buildings and grounds, throughout the State of Georgia, at half-staff  until sunset.

It is further

Ordered: All Georgians are called upon to display the American Flag at half-staff from their homes and businesses on that day and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent Americans and people from around the world who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

This 10^th day of September, 2009.

Governor Sonny Perdue