Utah Gov. Gary Herbert visited the National September 11 Memorial in New York City yesterday to pay his respects to those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
“It is an honor to be here on this special day,” he said according to a press release on Sept. 11. “I am grateful for the opportunity to pay my respects and to do so on behalf of the people of Utah. This is hallowed ground. Though we continue to fight against terrorists and those who are enemies of freedom today, we all benefit from the love, patriotism and spirit of community that were strengthened in the aftermath.”
According to the release, the governor set a wreath at the memorial’s Survivor Tree, a tree that was buried in the rubble of the towers for a month but came out alive. The governor also visited the Pentagon Memorial to honor those whose lives were lost there during the Sept. 11 attacks.
To honor the emergency responders who aided in the aftermath of the attacks, the governor ordered that all flags at state facilities in Utah be flown at half-staff for the duration of Sept. 11.
“We will never forget the heroism displayed by the first responders, many of whom gave their lives trying to save others,” he was quoted as saying in a Sept. 10 press release. “As we observe the anniversary of 9/11, let us rededicate ourselves to the principles of freedom and recommit ourselves to uplift, help and strengthen others.”
