Fifth Anniversary of 9-11 (2006)

Commemorating the 5th Anniversary of September 11, 2001

      WHEREAS,  the lives of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia changed forever on September 11, 2001, as thousands of our fellow citizens perished as victims of the terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center, as well as in a Pennsylvania plane crash where passengers valiantly thwarted a third strike on our country; and

      WHEREAS,  the  citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia still mourn those that died on that day, and our hearts go out to their families, all of whom have shown tremendous courage and strength in these difficult times; and

      WHEREAS,  on September 11, 2006, the 5th Anniversary of the attacks, I ask that all Virginians join me in honoring our fallen heroes whose lives were tragically lost on that fateful day; and

     WHEREAS,  I invite Virginians in the Richmond area, particularly state employees based in the region, to assemble at the Bell Tower in Capitol Square at 9:00 a.m. in order to join me in beginning the official commemoration ceremonies; and

      WHEREAS,  at 9:37 AM there shall be a one-minute statewide Moment of Silence during which time I encourage all Virginians, in their own ways, to reflect upon the lives lost and heroic sacrifices made during that time of great fear and uncertainty; and

      WHEREAS,  at 9:38 AM the Bell shall ring in humble tribute to our fallen heroes and their families; and

      WHEREAS,  as we reflect upon the memory of those that perished, we are strengthened by a new call to community service; and

      WHEREAS,  I have extended an invitation to elected officials, our first responders, a Color Guard, as well as the entire faith community across the Commonwealth to participate in these events of remembrance, as each of them contributes mightily to keeping our Commonwealth safe and secure;

       NOW, THEREFORE, I, Timothy M. Kaine, do hereby recognize September 11, 2006 as the 5th ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, and I invite all Virginians to join in this observance.