Gov. John Hoeven is directing state agencies and citizens to fly the U.S. and North Dakota flags at half-staff from sunrise to sunset today to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Hoeven also is asking all North Dakotans to observe Sept. 11 as Patriot Day by sharing a moment of silence at 7:46 a.m. Central time to remember the lives lost that day.

Hoeven also will attend a 10:30 a.m. ceremony today hosted by the Transportation Security Administration in Fargo to commemorate the anniversary.

"We remember the thousands of innocent victims lost, extend our thoughts and prayers to their families, and honor the heroic men and women who risked and sacrificed their lives, so others might survive," Hoeven said in a Tuesday press statement.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will hold Prayers for Peace at 7 p.m. today in the sanctuary of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at its South Campus at Washington Street and Divide Avenue.

Prayers for Peace is held annually on the anniversary of the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Contemplative music, candle lighting, scripture readings, and prayers, both spoken and silent, will focus on hope for peace and healing.

All are welcome to attend. For more information, visit www.goodshepherdbismarck.com.

(Tribune reporter Karen Herzog contributed to this story.)