SEPTEMBER 11 OBSERVANCE PLANNED AT STATE CAPITOL

Governor Owens asks citizens to join with him and National 
Guard members in ceremony of prayer and remembrance

(DENVER) - Gov. Bill Owens announced today that Colorado will mark the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks with two events, including a public ceremony of remembrance on the Capitol grounds.

The Governor will lead the ceremony at the Capitol starting at 6:15 a.m. By that time last year, all of the highjacked aircraft were airborne.

At 6:46 a.m., Governor Owens and members of the National Guard will begin lowering the flags on the Capitol grounds.

The ceremony at the State Capitol will be one of prayer and remembrance, culminating with a flyover by the Colorado Air National Guard's 120th Fighter Squadron.

The Governor encouraged members of the public to join him at the Capitol that morning to honor America's fallen heroes and those who are fighting for freedom in the war on terror.

"Colorado will mark September 11 as a day of remembrance for the victims and the heroes of that dark day in our history," the Governor said. "The terrorist attacks also unified and strengthened our nation. So I am calling on Coloradans to unite this September 11 so that we never forget these attacks or the men and women who are fighting for our freedom."

Whether at the Capitol, at home or on their way to work, the Governor encouraged all Coloradans to observe a moment of silence that morning and to fly U.S. or Colorado flags at their homes and places of business.

The Governor also asked county and local governments and school districts to hold flag-lowering ceremonies on September 11, either at the time of the first terrorist attacks or at another appropriate and convenient time during the day.

On Tuesday, September 10, Gov. Owens will host a luncheon for the immediate families of those Colorado National Guard troops who are deployed in the Middle East in the war on terrorism. The luncheon will be held at Governor's Residence.

"Our soldiers and their families are making daily sacrifices for all Coloradans and the freedom we enjoy," the Governor said. "I'm proud to host the families of our soldiers to express Colorado's respect and gratitude to them."

The gathering at the Residence will give the Governor the opportunity to personally meet with and thank the family members for their contributions to the nation's defense.

Return to Colorado 9-11 Observance page  |  Governor's Press Office page.

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last modified September 06, 2002