Governor Mike Beebe has issued a proclamation in honor of Patriot Day and the 10th Anniversary of September 11, 2001. As a mark of respect, Governor Beebe directs that Arkansas flags at the State Capitol and all state-owned buildings be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, September 11, 2011.

 

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS:

WHEREAS: On September 11, 2001, the peace and security of our nation was shattered by terrorist attacks that killed thousands of innocent and brave people at the World Trade Center Towers in New York City, at the United States Pentagon, and in the fields of Shanksville, Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS: The objective of the terrorists on 9/11 was to strike a powerful blow to the hearts of all Americans and to tear the fabric of our nation.  But instead, there emerged from the ashes of that tragedy a remarkable spirit of unity, compassion, and determination that will never be forgotten, just as we will never forget those who were lost and injured on that day, and those who rose to service during the rescue-and-recovery effort and in defense of our nation; and

WHEREAS: Across America and around the world, people of all ages and from all walks of life collectively witnessed an event of immense tragedy on September 11, 2001, instantly transforming their lives, some through personal loss, and many others through an unfamiliar sense of individual and national vulnerability; and

WHEREAS: From the collective shock, an unprecedented bonding was forged among Americans, unifying the country in an outpouring of national spirit, pride, selflessness, generosity, courage, and service; and

WHEREAS: Many brave men and women heroically, tirelessly, and courageously participated in an extraordinarily difficult and dangerous rescue-and-recovery effort, in some cases voluntarily putting their own well-being at risk; and

WHEREAS: September 11, 2011, marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and will never be “just another day” in the hearts and minds of Americans;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, MIKE BEEBE, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by law, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2011, as

PATRIOT DAY AND
THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

across the State, and I urge my fellow citizens to pay tribute to all of the victims of 9/11 and the many who rose to service in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.   I ask that you join me by participating in the observance of this day of remembrance.

FURTHERMORE, as a mark of respect for the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks, and as an expression of public sorrow, I do hereby order the state flag on the Arkansas State Capitol and all state-owned buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, September 11, 2011.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 7th day of September, in the year of our Lord 2011.