Flags ordered to half staff in West Virginia for 9/11

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — U.S. and West Virginia flags will be flown at half staff on Sept. 11 to observe Patriot Day.

Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced the flag order proclamation on Tuesday, saying that it will apply to all flags at state-owned facilities in West Virginia. It will be from dawn until dusk.

“It’s hard to believe that 23 years have passed since the tragedy of September 11,” Gov. Justice said in a press release. “But all these years later, we show that our country has never forgotten. We will forever honor the truly extraordinary courage of the first responders who ran toward the fire when our nation was under attack. In those moments of chaos, they defined true heroism by risking everything to save others. Their sacrifice is beyond words, and we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. On this anniversary, Cathy and I ask all West Virginians to join us in remembering those we lost and keeping their families and loved ones in our prayers.”

Although Patriot Day pays tribute to all Americans who have sacrificed their lives in the defense of freedom, the day specifically acknowledges the memory of those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. In accordance with the proclamation, there will be a moment of silence held at 8:46 a.m., the time when the first plane hit the World Trade Center’s North Tower 23 years ago.

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