MEDIA RELEASE

In observance of the 12th anniversary of the attacks of 9/11, Gov. Neil Abercrombie has ordered that the flags of the United States and State of Hawaii be displayed at half-staff at all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawaii National Guard from sunrise to sunset Wednesday, Sept. 11.

President Barack Obama proclaimed Sept. 11 as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, calling for the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff.

The presidential proclamation states:

“… On September 11, 2001, amid shattered glass, twisted steel, and clouds of dust, the spirit of America shone through. We remember the sacrifice of strangers and first responders who rushed into darkness to carry others from danger. We remember the unbreakable bonds of unity we felt in the long days that followed – how we held each other, how we came to our neighbors’ aid, how we prayed for one another. We recall how Americans of every station joined together to support the survivors in their hour of need and to heal our Nation in the years that followed.

“Today, we can honor those we lost by building a Nation worthy of their memories. Let us also live up to the selfless example of the heroes who gave of themselves in the face of such great evil. As we mark the anniversary of September 11, I invite all Americans to observe a National Day of Service and Remembrance by uniting in the same extraordinary way we came together after the attacks. Like the Americans who chose compassion when confronted with cruelty, we can show our love for one another by devoting our time and talents to those in need …”