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St. Paul, MN – Flags are flying at half-staff across Minnesota today in observance of the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Governor Tim Walz proclaimed today as Patriot Day and encourages homes, businesses, and organizations to join in lowering their flags.
Tonight, the Minnesota Twins will remember the lives lost on September 11th and honor those who continue to serve our country at Target Field. There will be a pregame flyover featuring four F-35 Lightning II aircraft from the 421st Fighter Squadron known as the “Black Widows.” The flyover pilots attended the U-S Air Force Academy with Twins pitcher Griffin Jax. His younger brother, Captain Carson Jax, will throw out a ceremonial first pitch.
Six wreaths will be placed behind the pitcher’s mound to honor the U-S Armed Forces, law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, American citizens, and international citizens. The American flag will be hoisted in honor of those lost on 9/11 by retired Minnesota National Guard Colonel Angela Steward-Randal.
Four Minnesotans were killed on September 11th. Gordy Aamoth Junior of Wayzata and St. Paul native Gary Koecheler died in the World Trade Center, Tom Burnett Junior from Bloomington was one of the heroes on United Flight 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania, and Sergeant Max Beilke from Pipestone died in the Pentagon attack.