Flags and Patriot Day

Yesterday when I was out driving around, I started counting the number of flags that were not being flown at half-staff.  This has become one of my more unfortunate habits, and I say that because it always leads to disappointment.  I've been in the same neighborhood for years so I wasn't surprised that all the usual suspects didn't bother with the show of respect to the fallen of September 11th.

But when I drove by two police stations and a fire station that are usually very good at remembering, I nearly started crying when I saw they had forgotten.

For a minute I wondered if this was a thing of the past.  Maybe it wasn't expected anymore.   Nope.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2010, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. I call upon all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. I invite the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and interested organizations and individuals to join in this observance. I call upon the people of the United States to participate in community service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

You know who did get it right?  Arizona State University's main campus.  After all the ribbing and all the derision for not giving Pres. Obama an honorary degree when he spoke at the commencement ceremony, you would think they were the epitome of anti-patriotism.  Well, not at all.

Thank you ASU for remembering.

~~Code Monkey