PROCLAMATION 20th ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
WHEREAS, hijackers took control of four airliners taking off from the Boston, Washington, DC and Newark airports on September 11, 2001 that led to the most ruthless terrorist attack on American soil in its history, and
WHEREAS, 2,983 innocent men, women, and children lost their lives, and over 6,000 people were injured in the September 11, 2001 attacks of the World Trade Center Twin Towers, Flight 93, and the Pentagon, and
WHEREAS, “we all remember exactly where we were on the morning of September 11, 2001,” let us pray we never experience that terror again, and always remember our mutual responsibility to ensure justice is done, freedom prevails, and our founding principles permeate through our great land, and
WHEREAS, the world, not just America, was forever changed as a result of September 11, 2001 and its aftermath, and
WHEREAS, by a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), our U.S. Congress ordained September 11 of each year as ‘Patriot Day,’ and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, September 11 was designated as ‘National Day of Service and Remembrance,’ and
WHEREAS, on this ‘National Day of Service and Remembrance’ and 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, a goal was set of 20 million voluntary good deeds to honor and remember our fallen victims, first responders and others, as well as to build unity and goodwill here in the United States. Let us go out and enrich our communities across the City of Lenoir and Caldwell County and realize we can strengthen our Nation to meet the challenges in this 22nd century, but it begins first here in our own communities where we live and function, and
WHEREAS, we experienced great chaos and sadness September 11, 2001, we also beheld great and countless feats of heroism, selflessness and unfathomable compassion, and
WHEREAS, we pledge to continue the legacy of those innocent victims and first responders’ courage and compassion, and to move forward together in unity as one people regardless of nationality, gender, and beliefs, and
WHEREAS, all Americans are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff from their homes, schools, and businesses on September 11, 2021, and
WHEREAS, all houses of worship, schools, homeowners, and facilities are encouraged to ring their bells at least six times at 8:46 a.m. the morning of September 11, 2021.
THEREFORE, let us ring the bells on this September 11, 2021, at 8:46 a.m. to remember those who lost their lives 20 years ago and give thanks to our brave first responders who risked their lives that day and several days afterwards.
LET US reaffirm the spirit of patriotism, service, and unity we experienced in the days and months that followed September 11, 2001.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Joseph L. Gibbons, Mayor of the City of Lenoir, North Carolina, and on behalf of the Lenoir City Council, encourage all citizens throughout the City of Lenoir and Caldwell County to reflect on this “National Day of Service and Remembrance” and the 20th Anniversary of the September 11 attacks in order to proclaim honor and respect of all those who lost their lives during this terrible tragedy.
This the 7th day of September, 2021.
Joseph L. Gibbons, Mayor
