Governor Tim Pawlenty today ordered that all U.S. and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff on state property from sunrise until sunset on Sunday, September 11, 2005, in honor and remembrance of the more than 3,000 Americans who lost their lives, including many brave police officers and fire and rescue personnel who risked their own lives to save their fellow citizens, in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The Governor encourages all Minnesotans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on September 11 and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 7:46 a.m. Central Daylight Time, or another appropriate commemorative time. 

The following is the text of the Governor's official proclamation:

WHEREAS:  The United States has become the greatest nation on earth by courageously facing danger and overcoming tragedy; and

WHEREAS: The American people have shown extraordinary resilience and character in the face of hardship; and

WHEREAS: On September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked our citizens and symbols of American freedom, the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon, in an attempt to destroy our spirit, unity and way of life; and

WHEREAS: More than 3,000 Americans lost their lives, including many brave police officers and fire and rescue personnel who risked their own lives to save their fellow citizens; and

WHEREAS:  The victims included two proud Minnesota native sons: Tom Burnett, Jr. who was aboard Flight 93 and Gordy Aamoth, Jr. who died in the World Trade Center.  We commemorate them with honor and remember their families with our grief; and

WHEREAS: The terrorist attacks had precisely the opposite effect of what was intended: Americans have pulled together in a stirring display of patriotism to rebuild at home and fight terrorism abroad; and

WHEREAS: The events of September 11have reminded Minnesotans and all Americans of the debt we owe to our military families, police officers, fire and rescue personnel, and other first responders; and

WHEREAS: This year we draw special strength from the example of America's Greatest Generation as we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War II; and

WHEREAS: We acknowledge together that the American way of life endured September 11, and we have moved forward from that terrible day with courage and strength; and

WHEREAS: The President of the United States and Congress joined together in enacting Public Law 107-89, designating September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim that Sunday, September 11, 2005, shall be observed as:

PATRIOT DAY

in the State of Minnesota and do hereby order all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff on state property from sunrise until sunset on September 11, 2005.  Further, I encourage all Minnesotans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 7:46 a.m. Central Daylight Time, or another appropriate commemorative time.  I also join President Bush in asking that the people of Minnesota and places of worship mark this day with memorial services, the ringing of the bells, and evening candlelight vigils to honor the innocent victims who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.