Governor LePage and First Lady to Attend 9/11 Remembrance Ceremonies
September 10, 2014
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531
Governor proclaims “Day of Service and Remembrance”
AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage will pay tribute Thursday to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and in the ensuing conflicts by attending remembrance ceremonies in Auburn and Freeport.
Governor LePage will speak at the remembrance ceremony in Auburn, which begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Central Fire Station on Minot Avenue, and the First Lady will attend a special ceremony at 9:30 a.m. in Freeport at the corner of West Street and Main Street.
“On this solemn day, we remember the lives of those lost, pay tribute to those who rose in service and honor those who continue to serve our country today, including veterans, soldiers, military families and first responders,” said Governor LePage. “Remembering them through community service will also help to ensure that we never forget the remarkable way Americans responded.”
Additionally, the Governor is recognizing September 11, 2014 as a “Day of Service and Remembrance” and highlighting opportunities to serve in communities throughout to honor those lost on September 11, 2001. In issuing a proclamation to mark the observance, Governor LePage emphasized the significance of service as a way to pay tribute to the thousands of individuals, families and communities directly impacted by the terrorist attacks.
The Governor and First Lady would like to recognize and thank Maine’s first responders for their daily service, as well as for the acts of heroism they regularly perform. “While remembering those lost on 9/11, we should also recall the incredible courage displayed that day and use the anniversary to express our appreciation to all police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and those serving in the military,” said First Lady Ann LePage.
The proclamation language is as follows:
WHEREAS, on September 11, 2001, the American people endured with courage and heroism the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil in the nation’s history; and
WHEREAS, in response to this tragedy, Americans across the country came together in a remarkable spirit of patriotism and unity and carried out countless acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion; and
WHEREAS, community organizations and family members of 9/11 victims began observing the anniversary of September 11th as a charitable service day to honor the memory of those who were lost and those who united in response to the tragedy, including first-responders and volunteers; and
WHEREAS, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, approved by Congress and enacted into law on April 21, 2009, requested September 11 to be observed and recognized as an annual “National Day of Service and Remembrance” and charged the Corporation for National and Community Services with leading this nationwide effort; and
WHEREAS, participating in service and remembrance activities on September 11 is a positive and respectful way to remember the lives of those lost, pay tribute to those who rose in service and honor those who continue to serve our country today, including veterans, soldiers, military families and first responders; and
WHEREAS, September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance activities are being organized by a wide range of nonprofits, faith-based and community groups, public agencies, educational institutions, private businesses, and other organizations across the nation; and
WHEREAS, on September 11, 2014, and on the days leading up to and following this day, citizens of Maine have an opportunity to participate in activities that honor 9/11 victims and heroes by joining together in service projects to meet community needs. NOW, THEREFORE, I, PAUL R. LEPAGE, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2014 as a
DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE
throughout the State of Maine, and urge all citizens to recognize this observance.