Gov. DeSantis directs flags to half staff to commemorate 21st anniversary of 9/11 attacks
The governor also called for a “moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. in honor of those who were killed on September 11, 2001."
Flags seen at half staff at the base of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images
Gov. Ron DeSantis directed the U.S. and state flags to be flown at half staff around the Sunshine State on Sunday, which marks 21 years since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
DeSantis’ office released the governor’s memo to Tom Berger, the state’s director of real estate management and development, on Friday. Under usual protocol, flags will “be briskly run up to the top of the staff before being lowered slowly to the half-staff position.”
The governor’s directive applies at “all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida from midnight to midnight” on Sunday, the memo said.
“Our country suffered a devastating loss when acts of terrorism were committed on American soil resulting in the deaths of 2,977 individuals,” said DeSantis, a Navy veteran. “May we never forget the valiant efforts of our military, first responders, and other emergency personnel who risked their lives to save others.”
In a separate proclamation for Patriot Day, DeSantis also called for a “moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. (ET) in honor of those who were killed on September 11, 2001, in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.
“... Furthermore, I encourage all other governmental entities, interested groups, and organizations throughout the state to display the national and state flags at half-staff in observance of Patriot Day, a National Day of Service and Remembrance.”