It’s been 13 years since America woke up to the largest terrorist attack ever on its soil.
The World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., were targeted that day, as well as a third landmark thwarted by the passengers of one plane that eventually crashed in Pennsylvania.
As the nation remembers the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Gov. Rick Scott has issued a proclamation for what has become known as Patriot Day, directing all flags in the state to be flown at half staff.
The proclamation reads:
WHEREAS, on September 11, 2001, the American people courageously endured the worst terrorist attack on United States soil in history, as thousands of innocent lives were tragically lost; and
WHEREAS, thirteen years later the citizens of Florida and the United States continue to mourn, and remember the men and women who perished as a result of those horrendous attacks; and
WHEREAS, we honor and pay tribute to the courageous men and women in uniform serving our country around the world, as well as the dedicated members of our law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, physicians, nurses, and other military first responders who work diligently to protect us from danger when called upon; and
WHEREAS, we remember the countless brave men and women of our armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom and security, and honor those who continue to serve our country everyday; and
WHEREAS, we continue to stand united as a State and as one Nation under God in our fight against terror and radicalism at home and abroad, and in defense of the freedoms we hold dear; and
WHEREAS, individuals, organizations, and communities throughout our Country and throughout the State of Florida will gather on this thirteenth anniversary to perform acts of charity, to pray, and to comfort and support one another as they honor our Nation and the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, by joint resolution approved December 18, 2001, Public Law 107-89, the Congress of the United States designated September 11 of each year as Patriot Day, and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress of the United States has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Scott, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2014, as Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance. I call upon the people of our great state to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time in honor of those who were killed on September 11, 2001, in New York City, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. I hereby direct the flags of the United States of America and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff, from sunrise to sunset, at all local and State buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida on Thursday, September 11, 2014. Furthermore, I encourage other governmental entities, interested groups, and organizations throughout the State to display the National and State flags at half-staff in observance of Patriot Day, a National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Scott later issued a statement, calling the terror attacks “one of the darkest days in the history of the United States.”
“Patriot Day is a somber reflection of the attacks and the innocent lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001,” Scott said. “I was in New York City that day, and saw the shock on everyone’s faces. On this day of remembrance, we also reflect on the sacrifice and service of our emergency personnel and first responders. We share our gratitude with them today for selflessly answering the call to help those in need.
“All of America also pauses today to thank our military service men and women. Their service and the sacrifices made by themselves and their families are the reason why we live in the greatest nation in the world.”
To read more about local Sept. 11 observances, like the 9/11 Gratitude Ride sponsored by Pasco County Choppers, check out this week’s print edition of The Laker/Lutz News, or see the online e-edition for free by clicking here.
