Guest opinion
Brewer: Lower flags to remember 9/11
Tomorrow, Americans will commemorate the twelfth anniversary of one the darkest days in our nation's history. On September 11, 2001, the lives of more than 3,000 innocent men and women were stolen in an act of terrorism that always will be difficult to comprehend.
The unthinkable attacks of that morning shook our nation. Then, in true American form, we stood together in solidarity and support, in prayer and patriotism. That day, the strength of our citizens overrode the evil of our enemies. Our response sent a clear message to our attackers and anyone who might seek to destroy our spirit: You have not won. You will not win.
In tribute to the victims of 9/11, including the approximately 400 heroic first responders who gave their own lives to save others, let us again stand united in prayer and patriotism. Including their families, let us pray for the men and women who perished at the World Trade Center and Pentagon, and for the passengers of United 93, who dealt the first blow in the War on Terror.
Let us also pray for the members of our U.S. military – past and present – who have served and sacrificed in our nation's defense, because we know freedom is not free. Moreover, let us remember the four Americans murdered last September 11 in another barbaric terrorist attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi. May our prayers bring solace and strength to their families on this poignant occasion.
In accordance with Executive Order 2010-18, I have ordered that flags be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol and all state public buildings and institutions from sunrise until sunset on September 11, 2013. I encourage individuals, businesses and other organizations to join in this tribute.
Jan Brewer is the Republican governor of Arizona.
