Hook & Ladder firefighters will be lowering the Main Street flagpole this morning, honoring those who were killed on 9/11.

President Barack Obama this week issued a proclamation concerning Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, saying in part that “on September 11, 2001, America experienced the worst terrorist attack in her history when nearly 3,000 men, women, and children were taken from us, leaving their families and our Nation with a void that can never be filled.

“But those who brought hate to our shores and smoke to our skies did not expect our country to emerge stronger, and our beacons of hope and freedom to shine brighter as a result. In the years since, we have stood strong as one people — determined to further embolden our country’s character with acts of endurance and strength; rebuilding and resilience; renewal and progress.

“In remembrance of the innocent victims who lost their lives and in honor of the families they left behind, let us continue to answer these heinous acts by serving our communities, lifting the lives of our fellow citizens, and spreading the hope that others tried to dim that day. The compassion that rose in the hearts and minds of the American people on September 11 still serves as the ultimate rebuke to the evil of those who attacked us.

“First responders who risked and gave their lives to rescue others demonstrated the unwavering heroism that defines our great Nation. Volunteers donated time, money, and blood to ensure wounds gave way to healing and recovery. Young people, raised until then in a time of peace, stepped forward to serve and defend us, and meet the threats of our time.

“And people from across our country and the world joined together in the days that followed to stand up and turn toward one another with open arms, making of a tragedy something the terrorists could never abide -- a tribute of hope over fear, and love over hate. As we reflect on the lives we lost and pay tribute to the families who still live with extraordinary pain, let us resolve to continue embodying the American spirit that no act of terror can ever extinguish. I call on all Americans to observe this National Day of Service and Remembrance with acts of selflessness and charity,” his proclamation continued.

United States flags should be lowered, at the order of the President, at half staff until sunset today.

Governors of the US and its territories were encouraged to join the observance. Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy did follow suit, reminding state residents that US and state flags should be lowered from sunrise to sunset on September 11.

The governor was in Westport on September 10, for the annual 9/11 service at the state’s official 9/11 memorial.

There are 161 victims with ties to Connecticut who were killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks.  The State of Connecticut’s memorial to the victims is located on a peninsula at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, where people gathered in 2001 to observe the devastation of the attacks on lower Manhattan across Long Island Sound. The site was also used as a staging area for Connecticut's relief efforts to New York City.

In Newtown, Howard Lasher has planned the 14th annual 9/11 Remembrance Service. Taking place in the grove of his Dodgingtown Road property where artist David Merrill painted an American flag across six trees, the public was invited to join Mr Lasher and invited guests for the service.

A report on this year’s service will be published later this morning.