Tips for remembering 9/11.

As the first anniversary of the tragedy of Sept. 11 nears, the Real Estate Board of New York is urging the industry to fly flags at half-mast, wear apple or flag pins and take other measures.

"We have been asked by many of our members, 'what should we do on Sept. 11?' The answer lies within our own hearts: Attend a memorial service, say a prayer, contribute to one of the many worthy organizations in our city, or call a friend whose loss was greater than our own," wrote president Steven Spinola and chairman Burton Resnick, in a letter to REBNY members.

"As an industry, we believe there is something we can do to demonstrate our compassion for the victims and their families and our love and support for our city and country. We suggest that each building owner fly our country's flag at half-mast, and/or display the flag in the building's lobby. Our commercial and residential brokerage houses should display the flag within each of their offices. To commemorate this day, let us all wear an apple pin or a flag as we carry out the business of selling and building New York," the letter states.

"We want to thank our members for their wonderful response to September 11th. Jointly we contributed tens of millions of dollars to help the victims and their families and we helped New Yorkers find temporary office space and housing during a very difficult time. Working with Governor Pataki, Mayors Giuliani and Bloomberg and Senators Schumer and Clinton, we lobbied Washington for the assistance needed for our recovery. We must thank President Bush. for his strong leadership and support. Most importantly, our actions demonstrated the ethical standards and professionalism of REBNY members," the letter states. "Our small gesture will publicly display the commitment of REBNY's members to a city that was shaken, but with our help, is now stronger than ever."