More than 3,000 American flags stand south of Sandy City Hall as the Utah Healing Field returns for the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The free memorial is open through Monday, Sept. 14. Each flag represents a victim of the 2001 attacks, according to the memorial's organizers.

The display is organized by the Colonial Flag Foundation, a Sandy-based nonprofit founded by Paul Swenson. After the 2001 attacks, Swenson asked himself one question: "What can I do?" That question led him to create the first Healing Field in Sandy, a place where people could pause and remember the individuals behind the numbers. The foundation now installs Healing Field and Fields of Honor displays in communities across the country, with free events planned nationwide for the 25th anniversary.

Governor orders flags to half-staff

Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox ordered all state flags lowered to half-staff Friday, Sept. 11, for the anniversary. Flags on state facilities must be lowered at sunrise and remain at half-staff until sunset, according to the governor's office. Cox also invited private citizens, businesses and other organizations across Utah to join the observance.

Cox said the 25th anniversary makes the promise to "never forget" even more important, noting that for millions of Americans, Sept. 11 is now history rather than memory. He called on Utahns to tell the story, honor those lost and carry the lessons of that day forward.

Sept. 11 is officially recognized as Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance. It is not a federal holiday. Federal law calls on the president to issue an annual proclamation directing flags to half-staff, and Americans are encouraged to observe a moment of silence to remember the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks, USA Today reported.