Today is “Patriot Day” in the United States, known in full as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. It occurs on Sept. 11 each year, designated in memory of the 2, 977 killed in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

To pay respect to those that lost their lives, Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary invite citizens of Shelby County and surrounding communities to join them at their annual Patriot Day Observance at 9:30 a.m. this morning at the Veterans Memorial, located on the grounds of the Historic Shelby County Courthouse.

Remarks will be given by Center Fire Chief Keith Byndom, Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell, Center Chief of Police Jim Albers and Jessie Griffith of ACE EMS. There will be a memorial wreath laying and bagpipes by Joaquin Mayor Mike Wood.

The program will close at 9:46, the time the first airliner crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center, with playing of Taps.

If you can't make the observance, you're asked to take a moment and remember the innocent people who lost their lives 13 years ago.

By the way, according to national law, flags are to be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown, Thursday, If you fly a flag outside that cannot be lowered respect for the day can be shown by tying a black rope or ribbon at the top of the flag staff.