Governor Perdue Orders Flags to Half-Staff for Patriot Day

Governor Sonny Perdue today ordered flags at all state buildings and grounds to fly at half-staff until sunset tomorrow in honor of Patriot Day. President Bush and the U.S. Congress have designated Sept. 11 as Patriot Day.

“The seventh 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.

Whereas: On September 11, 2001, the citizens of this country were thrust into the throes of terror as we watched two planes crash into the World Trade Center Towers, and one crash into the Pentagon; and

Whereas: We also watched a fourth plane crash into a field in Pennsylvania as a group of passengers bravely gave their lives in an attempt to save others who were targeted by another group of cowardly terrorists; and

Whereas: Our world seemingly stopped turning as we prayed for the helpless individuals whom we knew had perished, the families and friends who lost loved ones, and for those who worked feverishly to save innocent lives; and

Whereas: We must continue to remember in our prayers the heroic men and women of our armed forces who are stationed around the world and remain resolved to protect our country and our people from future terroristic threats; and

Whereas: In an effort to honor the memories of those who lost their lives and to memorialize this sad day in our nation’s history, the United States Congress on December 18, 2001, passed by joint resolution Public Law 107-89, 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 the State of Georgia recognize September 11, 2008, 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 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 terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

It is further

Ordered: That on Patriot Day, September 11, 2008, 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.

This 10th day of September, 2008.

SONNY PERDUE
Governor