Chaplain Walter Douglass says a prayer while Jay Chase and Dennis Robillard bow their heads during at a flag raising to commemorate the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 at Veterans Memorial Park in Old Orchard Beach Thursday evening. A new, larger American flag, provided by the local American Legion, debuted that night. It will be used at other special ceremonies in the future.

Other events honoring the anniversary took place throughout the state Thursday, including in Portland, where the fire and police departments held a wreath laying ceremony at the Sept. 11 memorial at Fort Allen Park.

Maine Gov. Paul LePage remembered the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at a 13th anniversary ceremony Thursday in Auburn and ordered state flags to fly at half-staff.

The Republican governor spoke at an event at the Central Fire Station in Auburn, and first lady Ann LePage attended a ceremony in Freeport.

The governor proclaimed Thursday a “Day of Service and Remembrance” and encouraged people to participate in service activities to pay tribute to the people and communities affected by the terrorist attacks.

LePage said that the anniversary is a day to remember those who lost their lives in the 2001 attacks, as well as honor the soldiers, military families and first responders who continue to serve their country.

“The freedom that we Americans enjoy is so rare for the rest of the world, and it is constantly under threat; we must not abandon it,” LePage said in a statement. “We must never forget. My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones on this very tragic day.”