The 10th annual 9-11 Remembrance in Snowflake and Taylor was a great success. Fred Carnahan, and his mother Ruth “gave us an opportunity to come together today and remember this occasion,” said Taylor Mayor Fay Hatch, who emceed the program. He thanked them for organizing the program giving everyone an opportunity to reflect on the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The program began at 7:50 a.m. at the Taylor Fire Station with a procession that included the American flag carried by members of the Snowflake-Taylor American Legion Post 136, followed by representatives from the National Guard, Boy Scouts of America, the Snowflake-Taylor Police Department, Taylor-Snowflake Emergency Services, and the Taylor and Snowflake fire departments.
Members of the American Legion and Boy Scouts of America, Troop 748, raised four American flags to half-staff and Eugene Webb played “Taps.” A Scout led the Pledge of Allegiance, Julie Merrill sang the “Star Spangled Banner” and Pastor George Perkins offered the opening prayer. Linda Bradley sang “The Lord’s Prayer,” accompanied by David Peterson.
Paramedic Tanna Bender laid a bouquet of flowers in one empty boot, Taylor Fire Chief and EMS Director Clint Burden laid a bouquet of flowers in the other empty boot and Police Chief Jerry VanWinkle laid a bouquet of flowers in the empty holster as Dr. Dan Neel played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.
Members of American Legion Post 126 performed the 21-gun salute.
The siren salute, provided by a variety of emergency vehicles, went for one minute and fifteen seconds for each plane. Johnny Kay, accompanied by David Peterson, sang Lee Greenwood’s “I’m Proud To Be An American.” The audience was so touched that they stood as he sang.
“To me it’s a very special day because we have the opportunity to serve people. There is no one better to protect you than these people,” said Taylor Town Manager Eric Duthie as he acknowledged the police, firemen, emergency services workers and two members representing the National Guard. “They stand in the way of what can hurt us. It helps us remember symbolically those who lost their lives in New York City and those who serve today. Remember these people standing in front of you today, they are good.”
“We’re here to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and those heroes who charged into buildings, and those heroes who charged the cockpit,” said Mayor Hatch. “Heroes are those who paid the ultimate price, those who were willing to get the job done, to those who continue to serve. We thank you….
“Since that day (Sept. 11, 2001), there has been a war on terror. There is a commitment to go to the end and see that job done. We are grateful for those who serve,” said the mayor.
Scoutmaster Wayne Boring, a Vietnam veteran, said he is “just a citizen who lives in Taylor and I love Taylor. This country is near and dear to me.” He told those attending that he is disturbed by the statement that there is no such thing as right and wrong, just a difference in opinion. “There is!” he exclaimed. He was also disturbed that a man in high power said that this is not a Christian nation, stating, “It carries those traits that made America great and if we forsake those things, we’ll no longer be great.”
“It’s a sobering day to think about the past 10 years and what happened 10 years ago,” said District 5 State Senator Sylvia Allen. She shared the story of Col. Rick Rescola, a Vietnam veteran who was over security for Morgan Stanley at the World Trade Center and was able to save 3,000 lives from the two floors he was over, but lost his own going back in to save other people.
“We cannot turn away from God, our country or forget this country comes from Him,” said Allen. “I am thankful for this country and principles we were established upon. I am thankful for those who bring about this event. Try to do for others the things they cannot do themselves, and that is the definition of hero.”
Boys Scouts of America Troop 748 and members of the Snowflake-Taylor American Legion Post 126 raised flags to half-staff at the 9/11 Remembrance held at Taylor Fire Department.
Members of Snowflake-Taylor American Legion Post 126 fire the 21-gun salute.
Dr. Dan Neel plays “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes as Snowflake-Taylor Police Chief Jerry VanWinkle (center) and Taylor Fire Chief/Emergency Services Director Clint Burden wait to place flowers in the empty boot and empty holster.
Snowflake-Taylor Police Chief Jerry VanWinkle, Taylor Fire Chief/Emergency Services Director Clint Burden and Paramedic Tanna Bender await the next part of the ceremony after putting flowers in the empty boots and empty holster to the right.
