On Friday, Gov. Nathan Deal marked the 10th anniversary of 9/11, reminding Georgians of the sacrifice made by ordinary citizens and first responders alike as the attacks unfolded and thrust the nation into war.
"In the rubble, we began to summon the best of America," Deal said in remarks streamed live online by Georgia Public Broadcasting. "Remember those lessons so that together we might create a nation worthy of those great Americans who were lost."
The remarks came as federal officials increased security efforts nationwide because of threats of a possible terrorist attack to coincide with the anniversary. While officials said the threat appeared to target New York City or Washington, Deal spokesman Brian Robinson said state officials have been in contact with the FBI and other federal agencies and were on alert.
"If any threat comes to Georgia, we will obviously step it up," Robinson said.
The short, solemn ceremony at the state Capitol included a 20-second moment of silence with those in attendance bowing their heads in tribute, including Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, state Supreme Court Chief Justice Carol W. Hunstein, state Secretary of State Brian Kemp and Charley English, director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.
It also followed an order by Deal to fly all U.S. and Georgia flags on state buildings at half-mast through sunset on Sunday in remembrance of the attacks' victims.
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