Community, nation remembers 9/11

Cape Girardeau Fire Department Chief Rick Ennis remembers where he was when he learned a plane had crashed into the first of two World Trade Center twin towers on Sept. 11, 2001.

The chief of an Ohio fire department at the time, Ennis was preparing to teach a training class that was scheduled to begin later that morning.

But Ennis, along with fellow firemen, instead watched with disbelief as an airplane struck the second tower.

Like most people gathered at the St. Francis Medical Center healing garden Friday morning, Ennis said images of the World Trade Center towers crumbling to the ground will forever be etched into his mind.

"It's important that we don't forget, though it's easy to do so," Ennis said. "What's really important is not to forget how this country came together that day.

"When you go to work you never know what that day has in store for you," Ennis said. "Those in New York City, the Pentagon and inside the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania never imagined what would happen that day."

The ceremony at Saint Francis Medical Center was among the events held throughout the United States on Friday to remember those who died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. Eight years ago terrorists hijacked planes and flew them in the World Trade Center towers, Pentagon and a field in Shanksville, Pa. Nearly 3,000 people died.

President Barack Obama, observing his first Sept. 11 as president, had signed an order declaring it a day of service. He had first lady Michelle Obama mark a moment of silence outside the White House as a bugler played taps.

The president said the nation came together after the attacks, "united not only in our grief but in our resolve to stand up for the country we love."

In Shanksville, bells tolled for the 40 victims of the fourth hijacked jetliner that crashed there eight years ago. And at the trade center volunteers - from soup kitchens, advocacy groups, the American Red Cross and the United Way - joined relatives of the lost to read the names of those killed in the twin towers.

Melvin Kuehle, the commander of the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 3838 color guard that presented the colors during the ceremony at St. Francis Medical Center, believed that day sparked an interest in young men and women entering the armed forces.

"That meant a lot to our post because it was an act of war against our country," said Kuehle, a World War II veteran. "When you attend programs like this it reminds you of what is truly important in life."

Much like national ceremonies, local ones included the hymn Amazing Grace played on bag pipes, remarks by public officials and a time of silence.

In his remarks, Cape Girardeau Mayor Jay Knudtson reminded those in attendance they must never forget the events of Sept. 11.

Knudtson said that while the country experienced feelings of vulnerability, emptiness and anger, Americans also were united.

"We were united at all levels to include local, state and national," Knudtson said. "Even some of our foes on the world scene agreed this was wrong.

"But this overwhelming unity is difficult to hold onto. But boy oh boy, when you got it you are unstoppable."

During Cry-Out America's gathering on the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse lawn in Jackson, organizer Susan Rosenkoetter told the crowd of about 20 that prayer is essential if the United States is to survive. Throughout her speech and prayer Rosenkoetter prayed for the military, community and elected officials.

"It's time to commit our hearts to the Lord," Rosenkoetter told the crowd of about 25. "If we continue on this path of destruction, we're on the crossroads of losing our independence."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

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