Governor’s flag order for the Commonwealth of Virginia:
Pursuant with President George W. Bush’s Presidential Proclamation to lower the United States flag on Patriot Day, I do hereby order that the flags of the United States and of the Commonwealth of Virginia be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol and throughout Virginia in observance of Patriot Day, 2008. The flags shall be lowered at sunrise on Thursday, September 11, 2008, and remain at half-staff
until sunset on that day. A copy of the President’s Order is attached.
Ordered this 8th day of September, 2008.
Sincerely,
Timothy M. Kaine
Patriot Day, 2008
By the President of the United States of America
a proclamation
September 11, 2001, was etched into America's memory when 19 terrorists attacked us with barbarity unequaled in our history. On Patriot Day, we cherish the memory of the thousands of innocent victims lost , extend our thoughts and prayers to their families, and honor the heroic men and women who risked and sacrificed their lives
so others might survive.
Since 9/11, we have recognized the threat posed by terrorists to the safety of the American people and worked to protect our homeland by fighting terrorists abroad. We are confronting terrorism by advancing freedom, liberty, and prosperity as an alternative to the ideologies of hatred and repression. Our Nation pays tribute to our courageous men and women in uniform serving around the world and the devoted members of our law enforcement, public safety, and intelligence communities at home who work night and day to protect us from harm and preserve the freedom of this great Nation.
Seven years ago, ordinary citizens rose to the challenge, united in prayer, and responded with extraordinary acts of courage, with some giving their lives for the country they loved. On Patriot Day, we remember all those who were taken from us in an instant and seek their lasting memorial in a safer and more hopeful world. We must not allow our resolve to be weakened by the passage of time. We will meet the test that history has given us and continue to fight to rid the world of terrorism and promote liberty around the globe.
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2008, as Patriot Day. I call upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. I also call upon the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate ceremonies, a ctivities, and remembrance services, to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent Americans and people from around the world who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
GEORGE W. BUSH
When I contacted the City of Salisbury today asking them why so many flags were being put up they replied, they weren't sure. They asked if they could call me beck and let me know and I agreed. An hour later they informed me that it was Public Works putting up the flags but "I don't know why." They did say that they assumed it was for September 11th.