Flags in Iowa and Illinois will fly at half staff in observance of Patriot Day and the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
U.S. and state flags are to be flown at half staff at all government buildings from sunrise to sunset Wednesday, September 11, 2013. Iowa Governor Terry Branstad ordered all flags in the state to be flown at half staff from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, September 11, 2012. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn ordered all flags in his state flown at half staff from sunrise to sunset.
In 2001, Congress designated September 11 of each year as Patriot Day. Since 2009, September 11 is also a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Americans are encourage to sign up for a service opportunity at www.serve.gov.
Locally, the annual Memorial Walk begins at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 11 at the Twin Towers Memorial, across from Memorial Field on Arsenal Island. Military service members, civilian and contractor employees from the Rock Island Arsenal will participate. More than 9,000 American flags will be carried by walk participants, who will place them in the field near the Twin Towers Memorial.
Rivermont Collegiate students are scheduled to join members of the Bettendorf fire and police departments for a 9/11 commemoration ceremony near the flagpole in the courtyard of the Carriage House at Rivermont’s campus, 1821 Sunset Drive in Bettendorf. The ceremony starts at 8:35 a.m.
A Remembrance Ceremony is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. at the Twin Towers Memorial on Arsenal Island. Col. Daniel Mitchell, deputy commander of the Army Sustainment Command, will speak at the ceremony, and a wreath laying and the playing of “Taps” will follow.
United Neighbors, Inc. will hold its 12th Annual Program of Remembrance with a theme of “Community Preparedness” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. September 11 at United Neighbors, 808 Harrison Street in Davenport. The event will include U.S. Marshal Mike Bladel who is also the former Davenport Police Chief and former Scott County Sheriff. Refreshments will be served.
