In 2002, the year after the September 11 tragedies, my mother-in-law organized a Day of Remembrance in our county. The location for the event was a tiny park that she was instrumental in developing at one of the entrances to our county.
In addition to remembering the victims of 9/11, the ceremony also honored the first responders in our community: the police officers and deputies, our volunteer fire department members, our volunteer emergency medical personnel and our dispatchers.
The Day of Remembrance has become an annual event, and this year’s ceremony took place Sunday afternoon.
Our local high school band was there, and performed patriotic songs.
The fire department brings a ladder truck each year, and Old Glory waves high above the scene.
Following the invocation, the flags at the park were raised, we sang The National Anthem and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. There were speeches by local dignitaries, and a wreath was placed at the wall of remembrance, where there are plaques in memory of our local fallen heroes. (That’s my mother-in-law with her back to the camera. What a lady.)
For the first time this year, there was a flyover by a med-evac helicopter. Motor Man and I are honored to call the pilot a personal friend.
Many of us fought back tears moments after this picture was taken, when this young man played Taps.
It’s a small town ceremony, simple but sincere, honoring our everyday heroes and remembering a day we can never forget.
these days of mine 
What a lovely tribute – and nobody celebrates it as honestly and simply as “Hometown America”….looks like it was a perfect way to honor those who lost their lives or helped in some way after the tragedy of 9/11.
Pam
Your MIL did a wonderful service for your community. I think it’s a beautiful tribute to the American spirit that you all have a day to meet and remember the victims, survivors, heroes, first responders, family & friends.
My prayers are with them all on this sad day.
Beautiful post today Dianna. And your Mom-in-law is a very good lady!
God Bless your mother-in-law! We shall never forget.
Simply beautiful! I held it together until you mentioned “Taps.” That song gets to me every time. What a beautiful way for a community to honor those we lost 11 years ago today.
What a great thing to do. I’m glad you got pictures of it…since I couldn’t be there.
Small town remembrances/celebrations are the very best and the most sincere!
a sincere tribute to those in NYC as well as in any town USA.
Dianna, beautiful tribute to the memory of 9-11. If you don’t mind, I’ll share it on FB because I think small town ceremonies represent the BEST of America. All the sweetest blessings on you today! 🙂
A very fitting tribute to everyone touched by the events of that day, and it’s hard to believe it’s been eleven years. Some people say it seems like it’s been longer, others say it seems more recent, but remembering is what’s important…
This is truly a beautiful thing! I know you are proud of her and her efforts, and glad to live in a town and a country that honors the real heroes. Great job!
I am very proud of my hometown and your lovely mother-law for holding this wonderful needed event each year. We must always hold September 11 in our hearts and prayers.
This gave me chills. Simple. Community…..across generations and for everyone. Lovely.
Beautiful, Dianna. Thank you so much for sharing your town’s Day of Remembrance with us.
Nice way to remember the fallen and honor our heroes. Your mother-in-law is so special.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful and authentic remembrance.
What a lovely and truly wonderful way to commemorate this day we should never, ever forget. And what an amazing mother-in-law you have.
I think it’s wonderful your community does this. Thanks for sharing.
Your Mother-in-law is a gem! How many people have let the day pass without even praying for the fallen, or thinking about the sacrifices made by the emergency people who were there then and are there in every community when tragedy strikes! I myself am just as guilty of not even spending time this year, as so many Americans, and for that I am ashamed. We have to always remember that horrible day! I think it’s so wonderful that your county is doing just that! Wish I could join in….we have nothing like that here. I was horrified to see on TV that during the moment of silent prayer in remembrance at 8:46 am EST most stations were carrying that on the air, and then one station actually had the Kardashians Mom on, talking about her breast implants! That’s what this country is about, I am afraid, and that is sad.
Beautiful ceremony. Thank you for sharing it.
Texas & Carine