Sept. 11 memorials set for Saturday

Local city leaders, veterans and businesses invite the public to be a part of several events scheduled for Saturday in remembrance of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Beginning at 8 a.m. at the Freedom Corner in Cape Girardeau, the Marine Corps League is hosting an all-day vigil to feature a changing of the guard every 30 minutes and participation from the city's fire and police departments.

"If you've ever been a visitor at Arlington National Cemetery, what you're going to see happen there would be reminiscent of that guard change," said Ron Acord, commandant of the local Marine Corps League. "People are welcome to stop by anytime throughout the day and spend a few moments in remembrance. We feel very strongly about memorializing this day."

Mayor Harry Rediger will open the ceremony and at the 6 p.m. closing, the American flag will be retired, bagpipers will play, followed by a bugler who'll sound taps.

"We all remember where we were and what we were doing when that horrific event happened," Rediger said. "It pays tribute to and memorializes those who were lost and pays tribute also to those who protect us each and every day."

Saint Francis Medical Center is hosting a time for prayer and remembrance in the Healing Garden beginning at 9 a.m. Rediger will speak briefly at that event, too, and general surgeon John J. Moll will talk about the importance of peace in the community.

Emily Sikes, Saint Francis marketing and referral services coordinator, said the program will last about 30 minutes.

"This is a day of national significance ... but 9/11 also influenced the local community, touching lives in Southeast Missouri," Sikes wrote in an e-mail Wednesday. "This was first held in 2008, and it was so well received by the medical center employees and community that it has become an annual event."

Jackson motorcycle enthusiasts and Elks Lodge members will commemorate Sept. 11 with the Vets and Fallen Heroes Poker Run. Anyone can join the 125-mile scenic bike ride, said co-organizer of the event Teddy Eggimann. The ride leaves at 11 a.m. from the Jackson Elks Lodge. The last bike is set to leave at 1 p.m. All proceeds from the event and a silent auction at the Elks will benefit Robert "Cupcake" Lawrence, a friend of the Elks Lodge who died recently and still has no headstone, and Mark "Bizcut" Rothweller, another friend who was involved in a motor vehicle accident. Additional proceeds will be donated to the Missouri Veterans Home, Eggimann said.

A meal at the Elks is set to follow the ride at around 6 p.m., and the Jimmy Lee Band will play at 7 p.m.

Capping off the events for the day will be a commemoration at the 155th annual SEMO District Fair. It'll precede the truck and tractor Pull in the grandstand and include participation from several Cape Girardeau County firefighters.

ehevern@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent Addresses:

Broadway and West End Boulevard, Cape Girardeau, MO

211 Saint Francis Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO

542 W. Independence St., Jackson, MO