BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Tuesday, and encouraged North Dakota residents to do the same, in memory of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The governor’s directive is in accordance with a joint resolution of Congress authorizing and requesting the President to designate Sept. 11 of each year as Patriot Day and direct flags to be lowered to half-staff for the entire day on Sept. 11. Americans also are encouraged to observe a moment of silence at 7:46 a.m. Central Daylight Time to honor the nearly 3,000 victims of the attacks.
“The tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, is forever seared into our nation’s collective consciousness. To this day, we remember the shock and sorrow of losing so many to such unspeakable acts, the grief felt by their loved ones left behind and the incredible heroism of the police officers, firefighters and others who rushed toward danger to save lives,” Burgum said. “Today we honor the courage exhibited by those brave souls as well as by all of our military members and first responders who continue to defend our freedom and help those in need.”
The North Dakota 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the state Capitol, 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Bismarck, as a way to honor and remember each of the 343 New York Fire Department firefighters who selflessly gave their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. Registration for the stair climb begins at 8 a.m.