WHEREAS, twenty-five years ago, our nation experienced the loss of 2,977 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 have shown true heroism, and we remain forever grateful for their selfless courage in defending our freedoms; and

 

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

 

WHEREAS, on Patriot Day, we remember and honor the lives lost in this tragedy, the heroism of all the courageous first responders and civilians who rushed into harm's way to help others, and pay tribute to those who answered the call to defend their fellow Americans; and

 

WHEREAS, citizens of the Commonwealth are encouraged to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities reflecting on the importance of community service, the power of resilience, and the need to educate future generations about the significance and impact of 9/11; and

 

WHEREAS, we call upon Virginians 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, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, and to engage in acts of service that strengthen our communities and embody the spirit of unity and compassion;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, do hereby recognize September 11, 2026, as PATRIOT DAY: A DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.