DES MOINES — Flags across Iowa will be lowered from sunrise to sunset Friday as the state marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks and remembers nearly 3,000 people killed that day.
Gov. Kim Reynolds issued the half-staff order Thursday in honor of Patriot Day and the victims of the coordinated attacks carried out against the United States on September 11, 2001.
At least eight victims of the attacks had known connections to Iowa:
- James Cleere, 55, of Newton
- Karen Ann Kincaid, 40, of Waverly
- Mari-Rae Sopper, 35, formerly of Ames
- Michael Tinley, 56, formerly of Council Bluffs
- Army Specialist Craig Scott Amundson, 28, of Cedar Rapids
- Lt. Col. Gary F. Smith, 55, of Council Bluffs
- Timothy Aaron Haviland, 41, formerly of Ames
- Sandra Dawn Teague, 31, formerly of Des Moines and West Des Moines
“Twenty-five years ago, a targeted attack against America shook the foundation of our country and tested its resiliency,” Reynolds said.
The governor said nearly 3,000 innocent people—including at least eight with Iowa connections—were tragically killed. She called on Iowans to remember and honor the victims while reaffirming the nation’s resolve to stand together against threats to its people and ideals.
Hijacked passenger planes struck the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C. A fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers and crew members fought back against the hijackers.
Flags will be flown at half-staff on the Iowa State Capitol and throughout the Capitol Complex. The order also applies to flag displays on all public buildings, grounds and facilities across the state.
Individuals, businesses, schools, cities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for the same period as a sign of remembrance and respect.
Reynolds has issued similar half-staff orders for previous Patriot Day observances.
North Iowa communities have also held local ceremonies to remember the victims and honor the firefighters, police officers, emergency workers and military personnel who responded following the attacks. In 2023, the Clear Lake Fire Department announced a “Never Forget” memorial event honoring those lost on September 11.