Remembering 9/11/2001

Dear Friends,

Twelve years ago today, Al Qaeda terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Virginia took the lives of 2,646 Americans and 327 foreign nationals, including courageous Americans on United Airlines Flight 93 who valiantly fought the hijackers of that flight, resulting in a plane crash near Shanksville, Pennsylvania to prevent an attack on another target.

On this somber day, please take time to remember those lost on September 11, 2001, and the military personnel who gave their lives since that date in the pursuit of Al Qaeda terrorists worldwide. 

Please also remember the many veterans who have returned home permanently maimed from battle in the defense of liberty.

If you see a veteran or a military service member currently serving, please thank them for defending our liberties and the freedoms we cherish.

Sincerely,

David S. Chang

Chairman, Hawaii Republican Party

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Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Observance of Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance

News Release from Office of the Governor Sept 10, 2013

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 tomorrow, September 11, 2013.

President Barack Obama today proclaimed September 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 …”

View the President’s proclamation here.

(Gov. Abercrombie will be offering remarks at the annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 12:15 p.m. tomorrow in Tamarind Park, Bishop Square, in Downtown Honolulu.)

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Slideshow: Hawaii 9-11 Victims

Honolulu Mayor leading Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony