PIERRE - Gov. Mike Rounds is asking South Dakotans to fly flags at half staff on Thursday to mark the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Rounds says it's important to remember the men and women killed that day and to thank the people defending the country and recognize those who respond in a crisis.

The national proclamation for Patriot Day encourages Americans to display the flag at half-staff and observe a moment of silence at 6:46 a.m. MDT to honor those killed in the attacks.