Remembering 9/11: Five Things to Know About Patriot Day

Each year, the President of the United States encourages Americans to observe Patriot Day in honor of those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

Here's a rundown of the holiday's history and how you can observe it here in Northfield:

1. U.S. House of Representatives Joint Resolution 71

A bill to to make Sept. 11 a discretionary day of remembrance was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives on Oct. 25, 2001. The joint resolution, which recognizes Sept. 11 as Patriot Day was signed into law Dec. 18 by President George W. Bush.

On April 21, 2009, Congress requested that Sept. 11 be recognized annually as "National Day of Service and Remembrance."

2. Flags Fly at Half-Staff

On Sept. 11, the President orders that all American flags be flown at half-staff at individual homes, businesses, U.S. government buildings and the White House. Bulidings across Northfield, including , , , , , and other schools will be flown at half-staff on Tuesday. St. Olaf's Buntrock Commons' Facebook page shared this status: "The flags outside are at half-staff today, due to a Presidential Proclamation, in honor of 9/11."

3. Moment of Silence

As part of the the proclamation for Patriot Day, the President calls upon citizens to observe a moment of silence at 7:46 a.m. (Central Daylight Time) to honor those who died on Sept. 11, 2001. The moment of silence marks the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

4. 2012 Proclamation

President Barack Obama's 2012 proclamation reads:

"On September 11, 2001, a bright autumn day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history. Thousands of innocent men, women, and children perished when mighty towers collapsed in the heart of New York City and wreckage burned in Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon. They were family and friends, service members and first responders -- and the tragedy of their loss left pain that will never fade and scars our country will never forget.

"More than a decade later, the world we live in is forever changed. But as we mark the anniversary of Sept. 11, we remember what remains the same: our character as a Nation, our faith in one another, and our legacy as a country strengthened by service and selflessness. In the spirit that moved rescue workers and firefighters to charge into darkness and danger that September morning, we see the same sense of moral responsibility that drove countless Americans to give of themselves in the months that followed. We offered our neighbors a hand and lined up to give blood. Many helped our Nation rebuild and recover long after the dust had settled, donating and volunteering and helping survivors who had borne so much. We were united, and the outpouring of generosity reminded us that, through challenges that have spanned from acts of terrorism to natural disasters, we go forward together as one people.

"Today, as we remember the victims, their families, and the heroes who stood up during one of our country's darkest moments, I invite all Americans to reclaim that abiding spirit of compassion by serving their communities in the days and weeks ahead. From volunteering with a faith-based organization, to collecting food and clothing for those in need, to preparing care packages for our men and women in uniform, there are many ways to bring service into our everyday lives -- and each of us can do something. To get involved and find a local service opportunity, visit www.serve.gov.

"Even the simplest act of kindness can be a way to honor those we have lost, and to help build stronger communities and a more resilient Nation. By joining together on this solemn anniversary, let us show that America's sense of common purpose need not be a fleeting moment, but a lasting virtue -- not just on one day, but every day."

5. Northfield Observes Patriot Day

Bill Murphy, former Post Commander and now First District Senior Vice Commander, told Patch he can't believe it's been 11 years since the terroristic attacks on America, which put the for him to become a soldier and veteran.

Last year, when he was Post Commander in Northfield, Murphy organized a 10-year at Veterans Memorial Park at .

Congressmen John Kline (R-Lakeville) on Tuesday shared this message on Facebook:

It has hard to believe 11 years have passed since that horrific morning on September 11, 2001 when Islamist extremists attacked American soil. Over time, America's spirit of unity has faded, but it has not been lost. Today, we have an opportunity to renew that spirit and recognize that, regardless of our political labels, we are all Americans. This is the legacy that should prevail as we remember those we lost on that tragic day and express our gratitude to the men and women who continue to serve and protect. May God continue to bless America.

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