Never forget by observing Patriot Day 2019

PHOTO: ISTOCK.COM/ARMHARM

I would guess that the majority of our readers remember where they were on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. I was at work in the office of Pest Management Professional magazine (then called Pest Control magazine), and like most Americans, the prism through which I view my life and freedoms changed forever. The freedoms we enjoy daily in this nation should never be taken for granted.

According to AwarenessDays.com, Sept. 11 was made a national day of mourning in 2002 by then-President George W. Bush, and referred to as Patriot Day. In 2009, then-President Barack Obama rededicated it as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. It is not a public holiday; therefore government offices, educational institutions and businesses do not close on this day.

Every Sept. 11, according to TimeAndDate.com, the United States flag should be displayed on the homes of Americans, the White House and all U.S. government buildings worldwide: “It should be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect to those who died on Sept. 11, 2001 … Some communities, particularly in the areas directly affected by the attacks, hold special church services or prayer meetings. People who personally experienced the events in 2001 or lost loved ones in them, may lay flowers or visit memorials.”

Yesterday, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation declaring it Patriot Day: “I call upon all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.  I invite the Governors of the United States and its Territories and interested organizations and individuals to join in this observance.  I call upon the people of the United States to participate in community service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.”

It’s worth mentioning that the 9/11 Memorial Museum offers a virtual tour on its website, as well as several ways to get involved to ensure future generations understand the meaning of this anniversary — and never forget. Community service opportunities can be large or small, and even a quiet act of kindness to a fellow American today could pay tribute. It’s something I’ll try to make an extra effort to do today, and every day.

The post Never forget by observing Patriot Day 2019 appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/09/11/never-forget-by-observing-patriot-day/
Sacramento CA