Twenty years ago, in the wake of an unimaginable attack on our nation, Americans from all over, of all backgrounds, all political parties, stood together, united not only in our grief, but in our firm resolve to persevere.
While terrorists that day took from us loved ones, including cherished members of our Maine community, they also revealed the unshakable strength of the American spirit.
Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills. Thank you for listening.
In honor of the victims and survivors of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, I have directed that the United States and State of Maine flags be lowered to half-staff statewide Saturday, September 11th.
This weekend, we all pause in solemn remembrance of those tragically lost twenty years ago, and we pay unending gratitude to our heroic first responders who saved so many lives that day, and the many first responders who died as a result of the attacks on our mainland.
We also remember the courage and conviction that carried us through those difficult moments, and we know that it continues to live on in us all these years later.
These are difficult times too, with the dangerous Delta variant spreading across the globe and here in Maine, threatening the health and well-being of our friends, our family, and our fellow citizens.
But we have met enemies before as one people. We have put aside politics in the past to protect each other and to preserve this place we all call home. We must do that again.
As we confront this new and very different enemy twenty years after 9/11, let us remember the spirit of unity and common purpose that bound us together through those difficult times.
Let us remember what it means to put aside our differences and stand together to defeat the things that threaten our shared future.
This weekend, as we mourn and honor the victims of 9/11, as we pay tribute to the remarkable bravery we all witnessed, and as we reflect on this difficult part of our history, let us remember that through the division and rancor that often dominates the headlines, we are still one nation.
We are one people united by our collective devotion to this land and to its promise of freedom and opportunity, and, regardless of the depths of our despair, that we have the strength to rise up a stronger nation and a stronger people.
Today, I say a prayer for those we lost, and I say a prayer for our future. With resilience and resolve, let us show the world the spirit and strength of Maine people. Let us show the world what it means to be an American.
This is Governor Janet Mills. Please stay safe and thank you for listening.