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Our own Lincoln Fire Department held a
small memorial at 6 p.m. at the fire station on Broadway for the
victims of Sept. 11. Like at thousands of other memorials
nationwide, members of the community joined fire and police
department personnel in honoring the fallen.
[Photos by Bob Frank]
Lincoln firefighters, paramedics and
police officers filed out of the fire station onto Broadway. A
two-story-tall American flag billowed as it hung down from an aerial
ladder over the street. Young boys stood at the flag’s base to hold
it and keep it from flapping. The safety and rescue personnel formed
three lines in the street facing the flag. Members of the crowd rose
as they entered the street and remained standing with them as Mayor
Beth Davis took the podium. A deep sense of patriotic reverence
cloaked the silent crowd.
Mayor Davis read a proclamation of
remembrance from the Lincoln City Council:
"Whereas in an unprovoked and senseless
act of terrorism, four civilian aircraft were hijacked on September
11th, 2001, and crashed in New York City, Pennsylvania, and the
Pentagon; whereas innocent U.S. citizens of all heritages as well as
15 citizens of foreign nations were killed and injured as a result
of these horrific acts; and whereas while we as a union continue to
recover from the unspeakable loss of so many lives, the indomitable
spirit of the United States has just been revitalized and given way
to numerous expressions of heroism and patriotism; and whereas the
threat of terrorism, destruction and senseless violence must be
banished for any free society to exist; whereas the City of Lincoln
shares an agreement that will commemorate the one-year anniversary
of the September 11th tragedy; now, therefore, be it resolved by the
City of Lincoln that we extend our deepest condolences to the
innocent victims of these unprovoked actions by terrorists, as well
as to their families and their friends; and be it further resolved
that we salute the heroism of public safety and rescue
workers, volunteers, local officials and those who respond to these
tragic events with courage, selfless compassion, determination and
skill; and be it further resolved that we dedicate September 11,
2002, ‘Always Remember 9-11 Day,’ a day to mourn, reflect and
rededicate ourselves to ending terrorism in commemoration of the
anniversary of the terrorist attack; and be it further resolved that
we encourage all of our citizens to honor the victims of September
11th by reaffirming their commitment to sustaining our newfound
patriotism through volunteerism, community involvement and service;
and be it further resolved that we as citizens dedicate our time,
talent and energy to lift one another up and fostering new levels of
understanding and awareness. Let us honor the memory of all those
who died by being of service to one another and by building a
stronger, more perfect union than the founding fathers called for."
[to top of second column in
this article]
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The still standing crowd bowed in
prayer led by Curtis Sutterfield and reflected during a song of
retrospection delivered in his talented voice.
State Rep. Jonathan Wright spoke
briefly, cementing his support for this day of remembrance and
challenging listeners to "remember with hope."
The station bell was rung with the code
3-3-3, which signifies that the fire company has returned to
quarters. The ringing of that clear bell welcomed home those
firefighters who gave their lives in the effort to save others
during the attack on Sept. 11, 2001.
"Amazing Grace" filled the air on
Broadway as the service continued. Jim Turley played the hymn on the
bagpipes. Immediately following Lincoln Police’s gun salute, tears
broke free on several faces as taps was played on echoing trumpets.
The
formation broke silently as the emergency services personnel filed
back into the station without a word. The crowd that had come
together dispersed. The flag began to blow again as it was released
to the wind.
[Trisha
Youngquist]
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Thank You
To Lincoln Developmental Center
employees:
The Lincoln Parents'
Association would like to express our sincere appreciation for the
excellent care you have given our loved ones over the years. You
chose to make a career in caring for the most fragile of individuals
with disabilities. For this, we are most grateful.
The
stress of this past year has been almost unbearable for you and for
us. In spite of poor management, politics and constant scrutiny, you
have maintained your excellent level of care. There are not enough
words to express our thanks.
Sincerely,
Members of the
Lincoln Parents' Association |
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State
observances:
Official press releases on state
government sites.
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Mount Pulaski Fire Department |
County observances:
A county proclamation has been
issued concerning
the following observances on Sept. 11, 2002.
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Flags fly at half-mast
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Wear black armbands
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At each of the four moments when the
four planes struck (8:45, 9:03, 9:41, 10:10),
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A moment of silence should be
observed,
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Church bells should ring,
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Emergency vehicle lights should be
turned on,
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Emergency sirens should go off,
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Schools should discuss each of the
plane crashes before the moment of silence.
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See Letter to the Editor about times
Local observances:
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Most Lincoln schools have invited
the Police Department to have a representative officer present
as they take time to honor those who lay their lives on the line
at the local level. Students will recite the pledge of allegiance
together.
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Lincoln Community High School will
have an assembly on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The social
sciences department will combine with the English and
fine arts departments to put on this "Assembly of Remembrance
and Rededication." Students will be dismissed from their
classes to go to the auditorium at 9:30.
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The Lincoln Christian
College and Seminary campus community will observe Sept. 11 with a special
prayer service in the chapel auditorium. For those who wish to come and go,
there will be an open prayer time between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. on that Wednesday.
There will be soft music and soft lights to create a "quiet hour" atmosphere.
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At 11 a.m. the Lincoln Police
Department Emergency Response Team will conduct a 21-gun salute.
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The Lincoln Fire
Department will have a memorial service at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 for those
who died in the tragedy a year ago. Rep. Jonathan Wright will speak.
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Mount Pulaski will have a
candlelight ceremony downtown at 8:00 p.m.
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On Wednesday, Sept. 11,
the Park Meadows Baptist Church of Lincoln will have a special
patriotic service at 7:15 p.m. with testimonies, music and a special
message by Pastor S.M. Davis. On Sept. 29, the church will have
"Red, White and Blue Sunday." Leaders of fire, emergency,
medical and police departments will recognize key people from
their departments. Guest speaker will be FBI trainer Mark Rizzo.
A meal will be shared by members of the church. (Click
here for more information,)
E-mail your Sept. 11 observance to us to have it included in
this list
Click here for national 9-11 information |
