PHX Reporter

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey ordered flags on all state buildings be lowered to half-staff on Sept. 11 in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 people who were killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Ducey signed a bill in May making it mandatory for all Arizona schools to teach about the 9/11 attacks.

“When we recall that fateful day, the same emotions rise to the surface: shock, anger, horror. The emotions and memories will never truly fade away. We will always remember September 11, 2001,” Ducey said, in a release on the Governor’s official website. “We will remember the lives lost. And we will continue to be inspired by brave and patriotic men and women who answered the call of duty."

“That day is a sobering reminder that our democracy and our way of life must be protected and fought for,” Ducey continued in the release. “It is this sense of patriotism and commitment to one another that we must ensure every generation understands. Every child needs to learn of the tragedy and sacrifice of September 11. We must instill in our children the pride of being an American, to never stop believing that freedom will triumph over terror."

Ducey’s partnered with the Arizona State Board of Education, Rep. Steve Kaiser (R-Deer Valley) and other educators to craft the bill, which made Arizona one of 14 states to make teaching about the 9/11 attacks mandatory in public schools.

“Today, we pray for every person who lost a loved one on 9/11. We pray for the families of those who have fallen in the name of liberty,” Ducey said. “And we pray for our service members who continue to protect and defend our freedom. We recognize their selflessness as they put on a uniform when their nation needed them most.”

“Please join me in remembering the fallen from this day. And join me in honoring our troops, who fight for a future in which such a terrible event never happens again. Let us resolve once again, as a state and as a nation — that we will never forget,” Ducey added.