Ceremonies In Michigan Mark Sept. 11 Anniversary

PONTIAC (WWJ/AP) - Ceremonies and exhibits across Michigan are marking Thursday's anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, offering a chance to remember those who died and honor the sacrifices of first-responders.

Gov. Rick Snyder has called for U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff on all state buildings and within the state capitol complex for Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance. He asked that others do the same.

"First responders led the charge, as did ordinary men and women," Snyder said in a statement. "They put their lives on the line for their fellow Americans, and that spirit lives on today."

Thursday evening, Snyder is scheduled to be the guest speaker at the Michigan Fallen Heroes Memorial in the Detroit suburb of Pontiac. The ceremony will include the unveiling of 11 names of police and fire personnel to the memorial as well as a computer kiosk.

Also in Pontiac, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson ordered a 60-by-30-foot American flag draped on the façade of the west wing of the Oakland County Circuit Court building in honor of Patriot's Day.

"The flag remembers those killed on 9/11 and defending our nation against terror since," Patterson said, in a media release. "It's also on display as a token of our appreciation for the sacrifices of our first responders and the men and women who have worn the uniform of our great nation."

The flag is visible from northbound Telegraph Road on the approach to the county government campus. Those who want to see the flag up close are welcome to park in one of the open lots near the Oakland County Circuit Court building located at 1200 N. Telegraph Road.

In Grand Rapids, a daylong "Scout Salute" was taking place at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. The museum was hosting a mobile exhibit through Thursday titled "9/11 Never Forget."

In Saginaw County, a ceremony was Wednesday night. Firefighters from several departments marched to the Jonesfield-Lakefield Fire Station, The Saginaw News reported. Prayers were said and a small silver bell was rung.

"It's a huge honor for us to host this event each year," said Tiffany Fiting, president of Saginaw County Fire Association.

Up North, a ceremony is planned at the Muskegon Museum of Art. It marks the opening of an exhibit "Remember and Rebuild," which tells the story of the creation of the National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York and runs through Nov. 9.

Numerous other events are scheduled, including ceremonies in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo and Flint.

In Michigan, flags are to remain lowered on Friday to honor George C. Steeh Sr., a former judge and state lawmaker who died Aug. 28 at the age of 94.

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