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 