Phoenix, Arizona - In observance of Patriot Day, and on the 15th anniversary of the worst terrorist attack in United States history, Governor Doug Ducey has ordered that flags at all Arizona state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Sunday, September 11, 2016, from sunrise to sunset, in honor of the nearly 3,000 innocent lives taken from us.

“On this solemn anniversary, we join Americans across the country in thought and in prayer to remember the thousands of innocent lives that were stolen from us in the worst terrorist attack in United States history,” said Governor Ducey.

“Each year, this anniversary is a sobering reminder of how precious and fragile life can be. Like most Americans, I still remember where I was when those buildings came down, but I also remember where I was when first responders quickly and heroically jumped into action to save lives.

“Thousands of men and women put on uniforms and risked their lives overseas to ensure it would never happen again. Thousands more did what they could. And our most solemn anniversary suddenly became our greatest testament to the resilience Americans can demonstrate under the most dire and dangerous of circumstances.

“Today we remember the innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001, and we pay tribute to the thousands of people who fought and are still fighting to protect the freedoms we cherish in the face of those who wish to harm us.

“Please join me in keeping these men and women and their families in our thoughts and prayers in pursuit of a brighter and safer future.”