Gov. Roy Cooper has ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset today, Friday, Sept. 11, in tribute to Patriot Day, also known as the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

This day honors the victims of the 9/11 tragedy, their families and the heroic sacrifices of first responders.

As a show of respect, individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the duration of time indicated to remember the thousands of innocent lives lost during one of the most deadly attacks on U.S. soil.