Governor Perdue to Honor Two-Year Anniversary of September 11

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue will honor the two-year anniversary of September 11 by participating in three events on Thursday, September 11, 2003. In addition, at the direction of President Bush, Governor Perdue will order flags lowered to half staff across the state.

"The events of September 11 changed the course of our nation and personally impacted every American. It is important that we join together to remember the innocent lives that were lost at the hands of terrorism. We must also honor the heroes of that day who gave life and limb to help their fellow man, and the heroes since who have defended our nation and our values at home and abroad," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "We must never forget that evil people seek to cause our nation harm. Americans, Georgians, and all freedom loving people must continue to unite to free our world of terrorists and the pain and fear they seek to inflict upon us."

In the morning, Governor Perdue will participate in the September 11 service of the Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta at Ebenezer Baptist Church from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Governor Perdue will deliver remarks as part of the program. Later that morning, Governor Perdue will join Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin on the North Capitol steps at 10:15 a.m. to unveil a DOGNY (Dog New York) Project statue to pay tribute to the search and rescue dogs and their handlers who bravely served on September 11. The statue is a gift to the State of Georgia and the money was raised by the American Kennel Club. The statue will be located permanently on the grounds of the Department of Agriculture as passed by the legislature.

In the afternoon, Governor Perdue will join homeland security officials, public safety officers, state officials, and The Boy Scouts for a September 11 Commemoration Ceremony at 2:30 p.m. at the State Capitol. Bill Hitchens, Director of the Office of Homeland Security for the State of Georgia, will give comments followed by remarks from the Governor. The Boy Scouts will conclude the ceremony by presenting the Governor with a preparedness kit.