Patriot Day: A Day of Service and Remembrance of September 11, 2001

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, twenty-two years ago, our nation experienced the loss of nearly 3,000 individuals on September 11, 2001, at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, the World Trade Center in New York City, New York, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, our military, law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders, and other emergency personnel showed true heroism, and we remain forever grateful for their selfless courage in defense of our freedoms; and

WHEREAS, these attacks targeted not only American citizens, but targeted the American principles and values of freedom, justice, individual liberty, and prosperity; and

WHEREAS, the loss was felt by every Virginian, and through shared adversity, our citizens united to reaffirm a commitment to service and strength; and

WHEREAS, the attacks on September 11, 2001 have permanently altered the course of our nation's history; and

WHEREAS, by a joint resolution, Public Law 107-89, approved on December 18, 2001, the United States Congress designated September 11 of each year as Patriot Day, and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, Congress requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance; and

WHEREAS, with each passing year, we pay tribute to those who lost their lives, honor the memory of those who selflessly sacrificed for others, and remember those forever impacted by this tragic event; and

WHEREAS, citizens of the Commonwealth are encouraged to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m., Eastern Standard Time in honor of those killed on September 11, 2001, in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 11, 2023, as PATRIOT DAY: A DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations