Governor Almond invites Rhode Islanders to the State House Ceremonies observing the anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
Governor Lincoln Almond is inviting all Rhode Islanders to the State House ceremonies observing the one-year anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
"Our lives have not been the same since September 11," said Almond. "We will never forget this horrendous attack on America as we continue to mourn the loss of so many innocent lives. Next week we will come together as a nation to remember the past, to show our resolve to end terrorism, and to express our hope for a world at peace.
"All Rhode Islanders are invited to attend the ceremonies at the State House on September 11. I ask our citizens to recognize the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks by flying the United States and Rhode Island flags at half staff and engaging in a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., the time the first plane struck the World Trade Center," said Almond.
Bell Lobby, Rhode Island State House
8:30 a.m. Morning Program begins - Students from Growing Children of Providence lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance 8:35 a.m. Remarks - Governor Lincoln Almond and Brown University President Ruth Simmons 8:41 a.m. Students from Growing Children of Providence sing "God Bless America" 8:46 a.m. Richard Delle Femine (Brother of victim Carol Bouchard) rings replica of Liberty Bell, followed by a moment of silence 8:48 a.m. Remarks - Rhode Island State Council on the Arts executive director Randall Rosenbaum and artist Peter Diepenbrock 8:56 a.m. Governor Almond, President Simmons, Messrs. Rosenbaum and Diepenbrock unveil memorial commemorating the victims of September 11th 9:00 a.m. Bugler, Arnie Harrop performs "Taps" 9:03 a.m. Rhode Island National Guardsmen ring replica of Liberty Bell, followed by a moment of silence 9:04 a.m. Ronnie Rose sings "America the Beautiful" 9:43 a.m. Local Police Officers ring replica of Liberty Bell, followed by a moment of silence 10:10 a.m. Cranston, East Providence, and Pawtucket Firefighters ring replica of Liberty Bell, followed by a moment of silence
South Lawn, Rhode Island State House
11:45 a.m. Musical selection by North Kingstown's Lafayette Band 11:50 a.m. Musical selection by the Pilgrim High School Chorus 11:55 a.m. Rhode Island National Guard Color Guard presentation Noon Invocation by The Reverend John Holt, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and our National Anthem 12:05 p.m. Remarks - Governor Lincoln Almond and General Reginald Centracchio 12:11 p.m. Musical selection by the Pilgrim High School Chorus 12:15 p.m. Reflective Reading (TBA) 12:20 p.m. Musical selection by North Kingstown High School senior, Michelle Boudreau 12:25 p.m. Benediction by Rabbi Alvan Kaunfer and Imam Farid Ansari 12:30 p.m. Bagpiper, Sergeant Robert Terlisner, Middletown Police Department plays "Amazing Grace"
*In case of inclement weather the 11:45 a.m. ceremony will be moved inside the State House.
Benny's has donated 1,000 American Flags for display during both ceremonies.