WHEREAS, today marks 20 years since the American people faced the worst terrorist attack on United States soil on September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, while the attacks were meant to divide our Great Nation, Americans responded by banding together in a remarkable display of the best of the American spirit: unity, bravery, and compassion for one another; and
WHEREAS, we will forever remember and honor the nearly 3,000 innocent Americans who lost their lives on that day, and think of their families, friends, and loved ones who continue to carry the memories of those lives forward; and
WHEREAS, we appreciate and honor the heroism of the first responders – the firefighters, police, emergency personnel, health care providers, and citizens who bravely came to the aid of others during, and immediately following the attacks, some of whom laid down their lives while helping to evacuate and rescue others; and
WHEREAS, on this day, we as Americans reflect on the importance of freedom, liberty, patriotism, and love of our country, and are forever grateful for the privileges and rights that we hold as Americans; and
WHEREAS, let us honor and reflect on those we have lost and stand firm in our resolve to defend and preserve our great nation.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2021 as:
Patriot Day
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to honor those we lost and those who defended our freedoms on this fateful day 20 years ago by recommitting to live in a spirit of unity and compassion that binds us together as Americans. I order all Alaska State Flags to be flown at half-staff on September 11, 2021 to honor the victims and their families, and all our first responders, caregivers, and servicemen and women who protect the American people every day.
