Ulster County News

FROM: ULSTER COUNTY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

DATE: August 30, 2002  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                      AUGUST 30, 2002

Ulster County Legislature Chairman Ward D. Todd, in conjunction with

the United States Congress, has declared Wednesday, September 11, 2002, as Patriot Day in Ulster County.

According to the proclamation:

"Whereas, on September 11, 2001, America was suddenly and brutally attacked by foreign terrorists, killing or injuring thousands of innocent people including the passengers and crew of four aircraft, workers in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, rescue workers and bystanders; and

Whereas, by targeting symbols of American strength and success, it is clear that these attacks were intended to intimidate our nation and weaken its resolve; and

Whereas, the people of the United States of America has shown the world that these attacks did not break, but rather strengthen, the spirit of the greatest nation in the world; and

Whereas, the United States Congress has proclaimed September 11^th as Patriot Day, calling for flags to be flown at half-staff and for all to observe a moment of silence on September 11^th.

Now, therefore, I, Ward D. Todd, Chairman of the Ulster County Legislature, do hereby declare September 11, 2002, as Patriot Day in Ulster County and urge all citizens of Ulster County to pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11^th."

In addition, Chairman Todd asks the citizens of Ulster County to pay heed to Governor George Pataki’s request to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 AM, the moment of impact of the first plane into the World Trade Center, pause again at 9:03 AM, the time of the second impact, 9:59 AM at the time the first tower collapsed, and finally at 10:29 AM when the second tower collapsed. According to Governor Pataki, "Together, we will continue to foster the spirit of strength and unity needed from all New Yorkers to cope with the lingering pain of September 11, 2001."

To commemorate the event, a formal ceremony will be held at the beginning of the regular session of the Ulster County Legislature being held Thursday, September 12, 2002, and will be marked with an Invocation by Reverend Charles Stickley of the Hurley Reformed Church, the Pledge of Allegiance led by a local V.F.W. Color Guard, and a selection of patriotic music coordinated by Paul Scatanato.