Pennsylvania commemorates Patriot Day on Sept. 11

Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell has issued a proclamation designating Tuesday, Sept. 11, as Patriot Day.

The governor has ordered flags at state facilities to be flown at half-staff in memory of the thousands of Americans who died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

"In memory of all those whose lives were so tragically lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and in special recognition of courageous men and women everywhere who selflessly risk their own lives to save others and protect our liberty, I do hereby proclaim Sept. 11, 2007, Patriot Day in Pennsylvania," the proclamation states. "I encourage all citizens to observe this day with a moment of silence, remembrance ceremony, or expression of gratitude and patriotism and to make a personal pledge to honor and cherish the freedom, equality, and peace that defines America."

Congress has designated Sept. 11 of each year as Patriot Day in remembrance of those whose lives were lost and in honor of the heroes who were found, according to the governor's office.

In addition to ordering state flags to be flown at half-staff, Rendell has directed U.S. flags at state facilities to be flown at half-staff in accordance with the Presidential proclamation.

Rendell is scheduled to participate in a remembrance service at the Flight 93 crash site temporary memorial in Somerset County in Western Pennsylvania on Sept. 11. The governor will speak and lay a wreath at the 9:45 a.m. service on Skyline Road in Stoneycreek Township.

Here is the text of Gov. Rendell's proclamation

WHEREAS, The terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, changed America forever. Thousands of innocent lives were lost in these terrible events, but in no way was this tragic day a defeat for our country; and

WHEREAS, instead of sparking chaos, divisiveness, or the collapse of our spirit, September 11, 2001, strengthened our resolve and our commitment to liberty, equality, and justice. These qualities have distinguished America for centuries and have allowed us to rise above hatred, tyranny, and terror; and

WHEREAS, September 11, 2001, was a day on which heroes were born. Out of the destruction flowed generosity, hope, and unity and everyday people demonstrated extraordinary bravery and compassion. From the unwavering loyalty of our firefighters, police, medical emergency personnel, first-responders, and individuals who put the safety of their co-workers and friends above their own, the people of America gained a new appreciation of what it means to be a hero and a patriot; and

WHEREAS, on December 18, 2001, Congress and President George W. Bush approved Public Law 107-89 designating September 11th of each year as Patriot Day in remembrance of those whose lives were lost and in honor of the heroes who were found; and

WHEREAS, this Patriot Day, let us gather as a commonwealth and a nation to offer our gratitude to the firemen, policemen, and emergency personnel who continue to serve our communities with pride and to the brave men and women of our nation's military who have accepted the tremendous responsibility of defending the future of our country and others around the world.

THEREFORE, In memory of the heroes whose lives were so tragically lost on September 11, 2001, and in special recognition of courageous men and women everywhere who selflessly risk their own lives to save others and protect our liberty, I, Edward G. Rendell, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2007, PATRIOT DAY in Pennsylvania. I encourage all citizens to observe this day with a moment of silence, remembrance ceremony, or expression of gratitude and patriotism and to make a personal pledge to honor and cherish the freedom, equality, and peace that defines America.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this twenty-eighth day of June in the year of our Lord two thousand and seven, and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and thirty-first.

EDWARD G. RENDELL