MARQUETTE — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered United States and Michigan flags within the state Capitol complex to be lowered to half-staff to honor 9/11 victims today.

“On September 11th, also known as Patriot Day, we remember those we lost, honor those who serve, and commit ourselves to standing up for our values,” Whitmer said in a press release. “The attacks on 9/11 took thousands of American lives and forever changed our nation. Decades later, we must strengthen our commitment to our core values, freedom and opportunity, and remind one another of our shared bonds as Americans.”

Whitmer encourages Michigan residents to come together in a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. local time and participate in local community service or charitable giving.

“Let’s have each other’s backs and remember that we stand united,” Whitmer said.

The State of Michigan remembers and honors the heroes who lost their lives and those who sacrificed their lives for others by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

Flags should be returned to full staff on Tuesday.