Des Moines, Iowa — Flags are to fly at half staff on this Patriot Day — the 20th anniversary of the “September 11th” attacks that killed nearly 3000 people in 2001.
Gov. Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset this Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in honor and remembrance of those who lost their lives in the September 11th terrorist attacks. The governor’s order is issued in conjunction with President Joe Biden’s proclamation to lower all United States flags to half-staff for the same length of time.
Governor Reynolds says, “This year marks a somber milestone of the September 11th terrorist attacks on our nation. Twenty years later, we still remember that day so vividly and it’s why we continue to honor and remember the innocent lives lost, those that made the ultimate sacrifice, and those that continue to fight and protect our freedoms to this day.”
President Biden’s statement says, in part, “The cowardly terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and onboard United Flight 93 cut short the lives of 2,977 innocent people.” He goes on to say, “On Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, we honor every life that was taken too soon. We honor the first responders — firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency workers, and service members — who answered the call of duty, and the brave civilians who rushed into action to save lives that day. Their courage embodies the American spirit and resilience, and their heroism continues to inspire new generations of Americans.”
Flags will be at half-staff on the Iowa State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be half-staff on all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state.
Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.
