Flags to be Flown at Half Staff on Wednesday to Commemorate 23rd Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks

(KNSI) — Flags will be flown at half staff on Wednesday to mark the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 terror attacks.

The president ordered flags flown at half staff on all public buildings, national monuments, military posts and stations. The order also applies to American embassies and consulates abroad. Governor Tim Walz also ordered flags to be flown at half staff in Minnesota.

In a statement, Governor Walz said, “On September 11, thousands of innocent lives were lost in an unthinkable tragedy that profoundly changed our nation. Yet, in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, amidst unprecedented fear, pain, and mourning, the spirit of the American people prevailed. On the 23rd anniversary of that horrific day, we join together to mourn the lives lost, honor the nation’s heroic first responders, and reflect on the unwavering spirit of the American people.”

Several events are planned in St. Cloud to commemorate the anniversary, including a public ceremony at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall.

Four Minnesotans lost their lives that day, including Tom Burnett, Junior. He was a Bloomington native who lived in California. He was aboard Flight 93 which crashed after he and other passengers fought back against the hijackers. Gordy Aamoth, Junior of Wayzata and St. Paul native Gary Koechler died in the World Trade Center. Sergeant Max Bielke, who was born and raised in Pipestone, died in the attack on the Pentagon.

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