Thursday, Sept. 11 the City of Aurora government joined communities across the Nation in lowering municipal flags to half-staff in solemn remembrance of the lives lost in the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Friday, Sept. 12, Aurora’s flags were returned to full staff. While the president of the United States, Donald Trump, recently ordered flags to be lowered on federal buildings, that directive applies only to federal facilities, and governor Pritzker’s flag directive applied to State buildings. Aurora mayor John Laesch expressed respect for these directives but affirmed that Aurora’s municipal observance remained focused on commemorating the anniversary of September 11, 2001.
“Our focus was on remembering the lives lost on September 11,” mayor Laesch said. “On Friday, our flags were raised again as we moved forward, carrying with us the spirit and memory of those who died. I recognize that some employees and community members may not agree with this decision, but lowering the flag is a solemn act that carries great weight. The choice to do so should not be made cavalierly. Doing so diminishes the importance of the remembrance of tragedies like September 11, 2001.”
Aurora stands firmly against all forms of violence and remains committed to promoting peace, safety, and dignity for every resident.
—City of Aurora government