Governor Jim Justice reflected on the tragic events of September 11, 2001, before ringing the West Virginia Liberty Bell four times at the State Capitol Complex. The bell was rung in solemn tribute to the four crashes that took place in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 23 years since the horrific attack on this country. Think of the courage of those running to the fire. Think of the courage of those on the airplane that prevented them from attacking another part of this great country. Think of the people we lost. Think about their loved ones. Today is the day that we show that we have never forgotten and that we show love forever more,” Justice said.

Secretary of Arts, Culture and History Randall Reid-Smith also shared his thoughts on the annual bell ringing. The West Virginia Liberty Bell, delivered to the state in 1950, is identical to the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, which rang in our nation’s independence in 1776. Every state has a replica of the bell.

“Today, we gather once again, as we have since 2002, to ring the bell in memory of those we’ve lost,” Reid-Smith said. “It’s a day none of us will ever forget. Thank you to everyone involved as we ring this bell once more.”

Justice also issued a proclamation ordering all United States and West Virginia flags at state-owned facilities to be displayed at half-staff from dawn to dusk in honor of Patriot Day.

Patriot Day honors the memory of Americans lost on September 11, 2001 and pays tribute to all patriots who have sacrificed their lives in the defense of freedom.