Metro News Release

For immediate release: September 10, 2003

Metro joins the nation and the world in remembering 9/11

Marks second anniversary of September 11, 2001

Metro will join the national and world communities in remembering the second anniversary of September 11, 2001. "We must never forget those who gave their lives and those who became heroes that day because of their actions," stated Metro CEO and General Manager Richard A. White. "By remembering, we pay homage to those who died and lived bravely for the most cherished of our American ideals." "The sobering reality is that we now live in a different kind of world because of those tragic events," added Metro Transit Police Chief Polly Hanson. "So, we must also use the opportunity to rededicate ourselves to ensuring the safety of our customers and each other by being continuously observant of our surroundings and reporting any suspicious activity or behavior to the Metro Transit Police Department at our 24-hour communications line, 202-962-2121. Nearly 10,000 employees and 1.2 million daily customers can extend our police department’s eyes and ears and by doing so, play the role of ’everyday hero’ in our fight against terrorism." Metro will display flags on buses and operate them with their lights on, as was done last year during the first anniversary observance. MTPD will also keep its vehicle headlights on all day. In addition, MTPD officers on regular patrol in the system will distribute copies of the brochure, Together, We Prepare, which discusses what steps customers can take to be prepared for an emergency. At 8:46 a.m. tomorrow (the time the first plane struck the Twin Towers in New York City), Metrorail operators will make train announcements requesting customers to participate in a moment of silence in commemoration of the day. Metro employees will reflect on the events of two years ago, and as they remember the lost lives and heroes of September 11, employees will wear American flag or "Metro Remembers 9/11" lapel pins received in time for last year’s September 11 remembrance.

News release issued on September 10, 2003.