Statement of Governor Sonny Perdue Regarding the Fifth Anniversary of September 11

Friday, September 8, 2006

Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774

Statement of Governor Sonny Perdue Regarding the Fifth Anniversary of September 11

Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff on All State Buildings

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

“Monday marks the five-year anniversary of the September 11 attacks on America. Mary and I urge the people of Georgia to remember all 2,973 lives that were taken on September 11, 2001. The courage of America was tested that day and heroes emerged across our land. The heroism shown by thousands of first responders, firefighters, police officers and ordinary citizens continues to inspire this nation as we move forward.

“In the Global War on Terror, the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces continue to serve with distinction in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the globe. Their commitment to duty will never go unrecognized and we thank them for their service and sacrifice. We will continue to keep them and their families in our thoughts and prayers.

“As a nation we have reaffirmed our commitment to freedom, growing stronger, more determined and more vigilant in defending our homeland, our principles and our way of life. May God bless the state of Georgia and the United State of America.”

The following is text of the Executive Order.

FLAGS ON STATE BUILDINGS ORDERED LOWERED TO HALF STAFF

WHEREAS: On the fifth anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, we recall the fire and horror at the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a Pennsylvania field. America will always remember the thousands of innocent lives taken by the enemies of freedom that morning; and

WHEREAS: In the face of these unspeakable attacks, we were reminded that the great strength of America is found in the hearts and souls of our citizens. We witnessed firefighters, police officers, other public safety officials, and ordinary Americans demonstrate extraordinary courage, risking their lives to save innocent victims. We saw our country united in compassion as Americans came together to provide relief and bring hope to others; and

WHEREAS: The mission that began on September 11, 2001, continues, and we are grateful for the service and sacrifice of the men and women of our Armed Forces who are taking the fight to our enemies and helping to keep us safe at home, and we honor those who have lost their lives defending our freedom, and we pray that God comforts their families; and

WHEREAS: The events of September 11, 2001, will always be a defining moment in our history, and we hold the victims and their families in our hearts, and we lift them up in our prayers; and

WHEREAS: The President of the United States and a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001, the Congress has 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, 2006, as Patriot Day whereupon I join the President of the United States of America 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 Americans and people from around the world who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

IT IS HEREBY

ORDERED: That on Patriot Day, September 11, 2006, the American Flag and the Flag of the Great State of Georgia be flown on all state buildings, throughout the state of Georgia, at half-staff until sunset.

THIS 8TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2006.

(Signed: Sonny Perdue)_____

GOVERNOR

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