Orders All U.S. Flags in the Territory to Fly at Half-Staff In Observance of Patriot Day
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS –– Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has ordered that all U.S. flags in the Territory fly at half-staff to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and in accordance with the joint resolution approved by U.S. Congress on December 18, 2001, designating September 11 of each year as Patriot Day.
All flags should be flown half-staff all day until sunset on September 11, 2021, as a mark of solemn respect in remembrance of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93 and in honor of all the victims and those who died trying to rescue them.
“Twenty years ago, our country witnessed an unimaginable act of terror that targeted our financial and military centers. September 11, 2001, changed our lives forever, and today, as the memory of that fateful day remains, we pray that for the families, friends, and loved ones of those lost, the time has helped lessen the grief and pain of losing their loved one,” Governor Bryan said.
“While 9/11 is a solemn day, we remember and celebrate the courage of our firefighters, police officers, and first responders who bravely risked their lives and their health and safety in the immediate response to save others. In addition, we remember the Virgin Islanders who lost their lives on that fateful day,” the Governor said. “We also honor the many Virgin Islanders who were among those brave individuals who responded in the immediate aftermath and the many Virgin Islanders who served in our armed forces, and those who unfortunately lost their lives while defending our nation in the global war on terror.”
Americans are asked to honor the dead with a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m., the time that the first airplane struck the World Trade Center, and to respect the ceremonies of remembrance when they are conducted.
Please ensure that any American flags being flown at the workplace are properly raised fully, then lowered immediately to half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, September 11, 2021.
All flags being flown outdoors must be lowered at the end of the day/sunset unless the flagpoles are properly lit at night.
The Bryan-Roach Administration is committed to transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov