The Michigan Senate on Wednesday approved a resolution co-sponsored by Sen. John Proos to designate the week of Sept. 11-17 as “Patriot Week.”
“I support this initiative to set aside a week to salute the courage, dedication and service of our firefighters, police officers and brave soldiers who protect our southwest Michigan communities and the entire nation,” said Proos R-St. Joseph. “During this time, we will also remember those Americans who were lost on Sept. 11, 2011.”
The Senate also approved Senate Bill 282 in May that would designate seven days every year as Patriot Week, running from Sept. 11 to Constitution Day — the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787.
“I encourage all citizens, schools and other organizations to commemorate the occasion and celebrate the American spirit,” Proos said. “It is that spirit that brought us together as neighbors on Sept. 12, made us forget our differences and reminded us that we are all Americans first.”
Proos issued the following statement regarding the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks:
“As we observe the 10th anniversary of the attacks of Sept. 11, Americans should recall that when confronted with unimaginable tragedy, we as Americans rose to meet that challenge. The events of Sept. 11, 2011 made us forget our differences and reminded us that we are all Americans first.
“Just as the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor united the Greatest Generation, we came together as neighbors in support of one another. In that spirit of unity, let us remember those who died, and let us commend those who risked everything to save others on that tragic day as well as those who protect us against harm each and every day.
“This year, as a symbol of solidarity and tribute, let us fly our American flags up main streets and down back roads across southwest Michigan. Let us talk to our neighbors with the same spirit of unity that Sept. 12 brought to our nation.
“I salute the courage, dedication and service of our firefighters, police officers and brave soldiers who protect our southwest Michigan communities; I remember those who were lost on September 11, 2011, and it is in their honor that we must never lose the American spirit or our dedication to preserving and protecting our way of life.”
With the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks this weekend, Proos urged area residents to take the necessary steps to be prepared in the event of an emergency.
“The aftermath of 9-11 illustrated the importance of our roles in preparing our families and communities for all types of emergency situations,” said Proos. “I encourage all southwest Michigan families to take a few simple steps to be ready if disaster strikes. This begins with developing a family plan and preparing a supply kit with essentials for survival without assistance.
“As we saw on Sept. 11, 2001, being prepared with a plan of action can help families navigate through the chaos of a disaster,” he said. “Once you have a plan in place, I urge you to practice it so every family member understands where to go, what to do and how to contact the rest of the family in case of an emergency.”
According to the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (EMHSD) of the Michigan State Police, being ready can be as simple as following the four steps to preparedness:
• Find out what emergencies may impact your community;
• Develop a plan for what to do during an emergency;
• Practice and maintain your plan so everyone knows what to do; and
• Create an emergency kit with essential items, such as food, water and medications.
For more information on Preparedness Month initiatives and simple steps to prepare, visit www.michigan.gov/michiganprepares or the EMHSD website at www.michigan.gov/emhsd.
Free emergency preparedness information and resources for developing an emergency plan and kit are also available at www.ready.gov or by calling toll-free (800) BE-READY.