Ceremonies in Cape, Jackson held to remember 9/11

On a day that commemorated the 10-year anniversary of a tragedy that filled the nation with uncertainty and fear, Cape Girardeau County brimmed with patriotism, admiration and honor.

In Jackson, dozens of people clad in red, white and blue gathered in Brookside Memorial Park to remember those who lost their lives during the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in a hijacked airplane in Shanksville, Pa., on Sept. 11, 2001. They joined in singing the national anthem.

"We must always keep the flame that was rekindled that day alive and keep it burning brightly," Jackson Mayor Barbara Lohr said.

Members of the Jackson police and fire departments were on hand to help remember their fallen colleagues in New York and Washington, D.C. Patriot Guard Riders commander Verlon Walker said it was especially important for people to remember those first responders who gave their lives to save others that day.

"These men and women give a blank check to the government for their lives when others are in need," he said. While David Ludwig addressed the crowd about first responders, members of the fire department received an emergency call and abruptly left the ceremony.

Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder said he vividly remembers when the attacks occurred and the lasting effect it had on every American.

"The terrorists had no idea the strength of the mettle of the American people," Kinder said.

Kinder also recalled that when England faced uncertain times at the beginning of World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt sent British Prime Minister Winston Churchill a message that told him to remain strong in its efforts despite being surrounded by uncertainty. Kinder said the country remained strong after the attacks in 2001 and is better as a result.

"Great tragedy and hardship brings out the finest in this country," Kinder said.

In Cape Girardeau, patriotism came in the form of roaring motorcycles and the click-clacking of horse hoofs at the SEMO District Fair. Patriot Guard Riders zoomed into the fairgrounds and joined representatives from the Scott City, Fruitland, Whitewater and Cape Girardeau fire departments and the Cape Girardeau Police Department in the rodeo ring during an intermission in the day's events.

Squad cars and fire rescue vehicles quietly rolled into the dirt area where horses quickly maneuvered around barrels just minutes before. Cape Girardeau police chief Carl Kinnison addressed a silent crowd.

"We must always remember to pay tribute to the men and women in uniform here and overseas who sacrifice their lives daily," he said.

To commemorate the fallen firefighters from the attacks, the members of the fire departments brought a bell that symbolizes the hard work firefighters do every day. The bell rings to begin and end a shift, and rings slowly to commemorate a first responder who died in the line of duty, Cape Girardeau fire chief Rick Ennis said.

Firefighters gave the bell three rings to commemorate all who were lost during the attacks 10 years ago. The bell's ring was prominent amid noise from horses and fair rides.

"The adage 'never forget' became prominent after the attacks," Ennis said. "We must never forget that day and the people we lost, but most importantly we must never forget the American spirit."

psullivan@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

Brookside Park, Jackson, MO

Arena Park, Cape Girardeau MO