Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty has ordered all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff on state property from sunrise until sunset on September 11, 2010 in honor of Patriot Day. The Governor encourages all Minnesotans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes, and asks that the people of Minnesota and places of worship mark this day with moments of silence, memorial services, the ringing of bells, and evening candlelight vigils to honor those who protect and defend our way of life, and to reaffirm our resolve to eradicate the threat of terrorism at home and abroad.

The following is the text of the Governor’s official proclamation:

WHEREAS: The United States has become the greatest nation on earth because the American people have experienced more freedom than any nation in history; and

WHEREAS: American society has succeeded because freedom brings out the best in people and has enabled each generation of Americans to face danger and challenge with courage and strength; and

WHEREAS: On September 11, 2001, in an attempt to destroy our spirit, unity, and way of life, terrorists attacked our citizens and symbols of American freedom, the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. More than 3,000 innocent Americans lost their lives as they were going about their everyday lives; and

WHEREAS: Two proud Minnesota native sons died that day: Tom Burnett Jr., who was aboard Flight 93, and Gordy Aamoth Jr., who was in the World Trade Center. We commemorate their lives and join their families in grieving their loss; and

WHEREAS: Hundreds of brave police officers and fire and rescue personnel inspired us all by risking their own lives to save their fellow citizens; and

WHEREAS: Thousands of Americans responded to the attacks of September 11 by dedicating themselves to the defense of our great nation. Many thousands have served and continue to serve in active deployments in the Global War on Terror, in order to secure our freedoms; and

WHEREAS: The events of September 11 remind Minnesotans and all Americans of the enormous debt of gratitude owed to our military members and their families, police officers, fire and rescue personnel, and other first responders; and

WHEREAS: We affirm that the terrorist attacks had precisely the opposite effect than was intended, and we remember how Americans came together in a stirring display of patriotism to rebuild at home and fight terrorism abroad; and

WHEREAS: We unite to acknowledge that our American way of life endured the attacks of September 11, and we have moved forward from that terrible day with courage and strength to better protect our citizens from terror and to secure the blessings of freedom for more of the world’s people; and

WHEREAS: In 2002, the President of the United States and Congress joined together in enacting Public Law 107-89, designating September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day.”

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim Saturday, September 11, 2010, be observed as: PATRIOT DAY in the State of Minnesota and do hereby order all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff on state property from sunrise until sunset on September 11, 2010. Further, I encourage all Minnesotans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes, and ask that the people of Minnesota and places of worship mark this day with moments of silence, memorial services, the ringing of bells, and evening candlelight vigils to honor those who protect and defend our way of life, and to reaffirm our resolve to eradicate the threat of terrorism at home and abroad.